08 Aug 2024

Botswana Police Service (BPS) has been urged to reset policing priorities and reclaim control of public spaces for the public good consistent with national ethos and values.

By so doing, His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi said, they would be contributing to the achievement of the Reset and Reclaim Agenda objective of transforming the economy to high income status by 2036.

President Masisi, who was giving a keynote address at a pass-out parade for No. 1 of 2023-2024 at Botswana Police College in Otse yesterday, said the police must remain relevant and contribute to the success of the nation.

“Botswana Police should embrace new ways of doing business through strategic thinking, adopting new attitudes and behaviours. A re chencheng serodumo sa sepodisi sa Botswana,” said President Masisi.

He said over the past years, the BPS engaged in social responsibility initiatives in line with Vision 2036 pillar on Human and Social Development.

He also noted that 1 000 graduates raised P300 000 toward social responsibility projects.

“This is a commendable act of charity, which you must uphold wherever you are going,” he said.

Therefore, Dr Masisi appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Ms Dinah Marathe that the spirit of giving back to the community and her wise and capable leadership of the BPS must continue to grow.

He said the evolution of transnational organised crime such as human trafficking, truck trafficking, money laundering and cyber-crime had escalated.

President Masisi said BPS should rise to the occasion and nip the phenomenon in the bud. “You should devise strategies to ensure safety and security of the residents of the country. Forge strategic links and partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to curb these crimes,” he said.

President Masisi said combating violent, intrusive and serious crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and breaks-ins remained top of government’s priority.

“We should be decisive in our endeavour to curb crime to maintain public trust,” said Dr Masisi.

In addition, President Masisi said the launch of the two cohorts of the City Police Unit in December 2023 was a welcome development as it was indication of government’s resolve to enhance public safety and security.

On another point, President Masisi said the BPS deserved commendation for its aggressive fight against stock theft to restore hope amongst farmers through the KgomoKhumo operation.  

He said livestock rearing was at the heart of economic activities of most families in Botswana and therefore must be jealously guarded.

President Masisi appealed to BPS to leverage on regional response mechanisms such as Bi-national Commissions, Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security and Southern Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation to tackle cross-border cattle rustling.

He said abiding by and respecting human rights and the rule of law would make the country attractive for strategic partners and non-state actors to work with.

Therefore, he said, BPS must maintain the highest standard of professionalism to ensure that it continued to be trusted by the nation and the world.

“You must be agile, be presentable, approachable and ready to serve at all times,” he said.

To the graduating recruits, President Masisi told them that they were now charged with the full responsibility of executing all duties of a regular police officer, given the acquired skills and knowledge.

“Always strive to go beyond your normal call of duty to serve Batswana diligently without fear or favour. Ensure that you add value for BPS to continue to be a reputable law enforcement organisation in Africa and the world,” said President Masisi.

Noting that graduates would be deployed across the geographical and multicultural spectrum of the country, he urged them to serve Batswana with an admirable demeanour of professionalism, Botho, excellence and integrity to earn public trust.

“I charge you to display a level of discipline at all times…,” he said.

He cautioned that deviating behaviour would not be tolerated and would be punished accordingly.

President Masisi said an ill-disciplined police officer did not only bring shame to himself or herself but to the entire organisation. Ends