Africa-Press – Botswana. The Botswana Police Service continues to place community engagement at the centre of its crime prevention strategy. On 17 December 2025, Commissioner of Police Dinah Marathe met with Dikgosi of Palapye, Sefhare and surrounding villages. The meetings formed part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships, improving trust and refining community policing strategies that respond to local realities.
The engagements were held in the respective villages, allowing open and direct interaction between the police and traditional leaders. The sessions created a platform for honest discussion on crime trends affecting communities. Commissioner Marathe and the Dikgosi reflected on shared challenges and explored practical ways to improve safety through collaboration and early intervention.
Commissioner Marathe praised the Dikgosi for their active and influential role in community policing. She acknowledged their daily involvement in resolving disputes, guiding communities and promoting social cohesion. She stressed that their leadership remains critical in creating safer environments and supporting police efforts at grassroots level.
She emphasised that sustained dialogue with traditional leaders and other stakeholders is essential in the fight against crime. Strong partnerships, consistent communication and shared responsibility were highlighted as key pillars of effective community safety. She urged all participants to maintain close cooperation and to expand engagement beyond formal meetings.
A strong focus was placed on the need to involve young people and vulnerable groups. Commissioner Marathe called for inclusive platforms that give youth a voice and a sense of purpose. She highlighted the importance of targeted youth programmes that provide guidance, skills and positive alternatives. Such programmes, she noted, can reduce the risk of young people being drawn into crime and other harmful activities.
The Commissioner expressed concern about the rise in drug and substance abuse among the youth. She also pointed to road traffic accidents and suicide incidents as growing threats that continue to claim young lives. These issues were described as a serious risk to the country’s future generation and a clear call for coordinated action at community level.
Cyber related offences and Gender Based Violence were identified as priority areas requiring urgent and sustained interventions. Commissioner Marathe stressed the need for prevention, awareness and timely reporting. She encouraged communities to work closely with the police to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
Senior Chief Representative Kgosi Martha Lebang of Palapye reaffirmed the commitment of Dikgosi to maintain a close working relationship with the Botswana Police Service. She confirmed their continued support for crime prevention and community safety initiatives. Kgosi Molefi Tebogo of Sefhare welcomed the engagement and noted that such platforms play a meaningful role in curbing crime and addressing social ills.
The engagements in Palapye and Sefhare reinforced the value of partnership between the police and traditional leadership. By focusing on dialogue, youth development and shared action, the Botswana Police Service and Dikgosi are strengthening a community driven approach to safety. These efforts remain essential in addressing emerging crime trends and safeguarding the wellbeing of future generations.
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