The run that had attracted multitudes was held under the theme 'A tool to deliver messages on GBV prevention and road safety'. Speaking at the event, Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe emphasised that the run wasn't just a fitness initiative but a strategic partnership with the community to drive home the message about the dangers of GBV and road fatalities. “This is more than just a run. It is a call for action and collaboration with the community. GBV and road accidents are persistent threats in our country, and we can't fight them alone. The public remains an integral partner in both prevention and response efforts, especially when it comes to GBV and child-related cases,” she stated. According to recent police statistics, Botswana continues to record a worrying number of GBV cases, with women and children being the most affected. Similarly, road accidents remain one of the leading causes of fatalities, often attributed to reckless driving, speeding and drunk driving.
The Commissioner’s Run saw participation from law enforcement officers, community members, civil society organisations, and government representatives, all united in their call for action against these societal ills. Participants carried placards with messages advocating for safer roads and the protection of women and children from abuse. "The community is an integral partner in both preventative and response measures in GBV and child-related cases. BPS has recognised that the levels, types and complex nature of GBV are in part caused by the socio–economic and cultural factors and therefore requires the police to partner with the communities to combat these social ills. It is worth noting that law enforcement measures alone, without community involvement, cannot mitigate and resolve the current array of problems," she said. Marathe said no single sector or organisation can adequately address all elements of GBV prevention and response in isolation, and that a multi-sectoral model represents a holistic and coordinated approach aimed at working at different levels of society and with multiple actors.
She stated that it is for this reason that different sectors and players were invited to share information on the different services they provide, services which when accessed early could prevent these social ills. "I therefore implore you to visit the different stalls to get first-hand information on services available. The BPS is committed to ensuring that crime levels are on the minimum and that all people are offered protection. It is only through collaborative actions that such grave social-ills like GBV and crimes against children are entirely wiped out. The organisation strives to tirelessly emphasise through the stringent enforcement of the law with any form of violation of human rights which constitutes a crime will not be tolerated," she said. Furthermore, Marathe stated that the service aspires for the expansion of crisis management centres and shelters, particularly in remote areas to ensure that victims are safe and that their dignity is restored. Regarding road safety, she said they continue to prioritise the reduction of road traffic accidents, due to their negative impact on the security and socio-economic development of the country.
She stated that it is regrettable that the country's roads are filled with people who are emotionally charged, as demonstrated by anger and aggression against fellow road users. "We continue to experience a general increase in road rage, whereby drivers engage in hostile behaviour, which in some instances, even result in violence on the roadway. Drivers continue to speed and generally disregard road traffic rules and regulations. These behaviours unfortunately, have serious consequences, such as traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities. It is against this backdrop that I wish to emphasise the need to strengthen collaboration across all social and economic sectors and exercise collective responsibility in tackling crime, including GBV and road traffic accidents, in our efforts to ensuring a safer Botswana," Marathe said. The Commissioner further encouraged men to take an active role in fighting GBV by being protectors rather than perpetrators. "I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to you all, for setting aside time to attend this important event today. Your attendance is testimony to the importance you attach to the police-community collaboration in promoting safer communities. This collaboration has consistently proven to be an effective tool against criminality and other social ills confronting this nation," Marathe said.
