The Botswana Police Service (BPS) has reportedly suspended a ‘vigilante’ female police officer who allegedly mobilised a mob to assault a group of suspected thieves, an incident that led to a murder case.
The murder incident occurred last month. It is alleged that the officer (names withheld as she is yet to be charged) stationed at Old Naledi mobilised a group of four men to go search for the perpetrators. The suspected group allegedly broke into her house in Ramotswa village.
Instead of upholding the law as per the oath of office, they allegedly took the law into their own hands and did not report the matter. Upon locating the three suspects, the mobilised group of four men tied them up, took them to the scene of the crime, and assaulted them using softball bats.
In their defence, one of the suspects, a 17-year-old teen (names withheld) and currently charged with murder, took out a knife and fatally stabbed Ofentse Ntswe, an accused robber who was out on bail, and injured the brother of the officer in the process.
Latest developments in the case, according to close sources to the investigations, are that the female police officer has been suspended from her duties pending investigations.
“The sub-inspector female officer who is stationed at Old Naledi, who allegedly mobilised a mob, has been suspended, and she is currently at home,” a source told Mmegi Online.
The source said it's only a matter of time before the cop and three of the four members are brought before the court for different charges.
Reached out for a comment, BPS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Near Bagali did not confirm nor deny the suspension of the officer.
“I am constrained to discuss employer or employee relations with the media,” Bagali said.
On the other end, the 17-year-old is out on bail, and he is set to appear before the court for a status update on April 1, 2026. The case continues.
