03 Aug 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has bestowed the Botswana Police Meritorious Service Medal (BPM), Botswana Police Distinguished Service Order Medal (DSO), Botswana Police Jubilee Service Medal (JSM) and Botswana Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGCM) awards on more than 1 400 Botswana Police Services (BPS) officers.

Held at the Special Support Group parade grounds Friday, the awards ceremony was meant to recognise and thank the deserving members of the BPS, of different ranks, for their outstanding services and conduct in police duties.

The event formed part of the two-day BPS’s 140 years anniversary celebrations.

The LSGCM is awarded to police officers who have; served as a member of the BPS for a continuous period of 18 years and by conduct and character shown worthiness for such turpitude, not been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and not been frequently guilty of minor disciplinary offences.

Additionally, the LSGCM is also awarded to an officer who has, in the opinion of the commissioner, set a good example by general conduct, not been convicted of any offence of a nature deemed to bring the name of BPS into disrepute and not incurred more than six convictions against discipline during the last 16 years of service.

The JSM is awarded to officers who have served at least 25 years in the BPS and has shown by his or her conduct and character that he or she is worthy of the honour.

The DSO is awarded to members of the BPS who have distinguished themselves by their devotion to duty.

It is attained after 30 years of service, while the BPM is awarded to members of the BPS for service of meritorious nature, who have served for 12 years with high example of conduct and diligence.

Speaking in an interview, BPS senior assistant commissioner, Maseng Mathiba expressed delight for having received a DSO medal, from President Masisi, for having served for more than 30 years.

The police service, he said, required one to be committed to serving the nation with the utmost discipline.

Another award recipient, who received the JSM award, Assistant Superintendent Ms Keemetswe Mosinyi also thanked President Masisi for the reward, saying she was honoured that her hard work was recognised and awarded after serving BPS for more than 25 years.

She encouraged other police officers to also continue working diligently to ensure the country’s peace and security.

The ceremony was also attended by Defence and Security minister, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Foreign Affairs minister, Dr Lemogang Kwape and Labour, Home Affairs minister, Ms Annah Mokgethi, Permanent Secretary to the President, Ms Emmah Peloetletse and Commissioner of Police, Ms Dinah Marathe. Ends