Police numbers inadequate – Mmusi

Police PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Police PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

A surge in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assault incidents on unsuspecting citizens, dispossessing them of their hard-earned money and properties is the last thing the country wants to deal with as the police numbers are inadequate.

Presenting to the Committee of Supply, the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi said the current police workforce has proven to be insufficient to address the increasing and complex crimes and other emerging security challenges. Some of the serious crimes involve drug use, Gender Based Violence (GBV), and stock theft among others that remain the country’s nightmare.

One would agree that indeed an increase in the police force could reduce the crime incidents the country is currently burdened with. Mmusi further pointed out that cybercrime, cash-in-transit heists, GBV, and livestock rustling are amongst the security challenges adding to crime escalation. He revealed the need for a significant surge in police numbers to mitigate these security challenges.

Editor's Comment
Bravo police for prompt action

It is also hurting that whilst we all know that the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is charged functionally with the duties to investigate all forms of crime, some locals have resorted to taking the law into their own hands. It is very wrong to do that. There is also a possibility that one may wrongfully take the life of a person in the process, unless it is a justifiable case of self-defence. Recently, in the city of Francistown, some locals found...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up