19 Dec 2024

President Advocate Duma Boko says ensuring the security of Batswana is priority over the festive season and beyond.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 joint festive operation
by the security forces dubbed Operation Pabalesego in Gaborone on Wednesday, President Boko said the Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), would be visible during the festive season and beyond.

The President said the armed forces were to maintain law and order without using force, but should do so only when it was necessary.

He said violent crime that was rampant across the nation
traumatised people who were robbed of their hard-earned
properties.

The President noted that the criminals normally studied
and explored the possibility of deterrents or limitations without which they executed their plans.

He further said anyone who would be found committing a
crime would have to surrender to the police adding that the BDF were at liberty to use force where necessary.

President Boko said the community also had a role to play
in curbing crime by informing the police about any criminal
activities. He told young people to remain optimistic as the government was looking into ways of creating employment for them.

He urged them to desist from criminal activities and avoid
substance and alcohol abuse as these cause them to commit crimes.

On gender based violence (GBV), he said it affected all classes of people, whether educated or not. Advocate Boko said people should introspect and curb GBV, which could be in the form of verbal abuse, adding that it was demeaning and went hand in hand with financial abuse.

He said failure to find employment did not justify using
demeaning words on others as this could lead to anger thereby resulting in GBV. He said people who found themselves in such situations could seek help including from religious leaders who are experts at reconciliation and counselling.

The President said it was time the society recognised the
importance of the church and its services, which were free to the community.

Police Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe said 300 police officers would be deployed during the operation. Ms Marathe said road crashes were on the increase, claiming lives. She also indicated that livestock roaming on the roads
contributed to road accidents. She called on farmers to ensure that their cattle were kept off the roads.

Mr Chris Willey, who is the National Crime Prevention chairperson, said the youth should remain obedient. He said young people could make a difference by adopting a hashtag #gasebocheki.

He said young people did not know the dynamics of crime
prevention and thus urged for their empowerment. The campaign is themed: Crime Free Festive Season and Beyond. ENDS