Cash-in-transit and ATM bombings The BPS managed to curb cash-in transit heists and ATM bombings which were threatening the country’s economy as criminals targeted and overpowered security company guards and made away with large sums of money. Cash-in-transit heists surfaced in Botswana back in 2019 and cash stolen in all heists amounted to a total of P22.6 million, which left many businesses on their knees. For almost four years the country had experienced an upsurge of these robberies where in most cases fire arms were used and thereby posing danger to the lives of both members of the public and law enforcement officers. Despite managing to curb the scourge, the police are yet to recover P17.5 million of the stolen cash as they only managed to recuperate P5.1 million.
These incidents spiralled out of control in 2021 as the country recorded 14 cases and six in 2022 something that then forced the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, to boldly instruct the police to do whatever it takes to eliminate crime- a move that was followed by the infamous shooting of 10 robbery suspects at Phase 2 location, Gaborone. Concerning the ATM blasts, two incidents were recorded in 2019, five in 2021 and nine in 2022 respectively but the BPS also managed to curb these cases at the beginning of 2023. Home invasions Also on a positive note, the BPS also managed to reduce cases of home invasions which were a concern especially in the Greater Gaborone by introducing City Policing unit in December 2023 focusing on patrols especially during peculiar hours. Those staying in the affected areas were living in constant fear of criminals who attacked them in the comfort of their homes, or as they arrived at their dwellings while awaiting by the gates at night. The criminals would normally get away with residents’ valuables using force keeping police on their toes.
