Africa-Press – Botswana. President Duma Gideon Boko on 19 February 2026 officially opened the 52nd Botswana Police Service Senior Officers Annual Conference. The event took place at Botswana Police College and brought together nearly 300 senior officers from across the country. The three day conference runs under the theme “Policing with Purpose; Inspiring Confidence Through Resilience and Innovation.” In his address, the President stressed the urgency for law enforcement to adapt to changing conditions. He pointed to rising economic pressures and evolving crime patterns as key reasons for the police service to rethink its approach.
The President acknowledged the reality officers face daily. He stated that policing remains a difficult job, especially during times of economic strain when crime rates tend to increase. Despite these challenges, he praised the Botswana Police Service for maintaining operational effectiveness with limited resources. He assured officers that government remains committed to supporting their work as the national economy stabilises. His remarks reinforced the need for resilience within the force while maintaining public trust. He made it clear that performance must improve even under pressure.
A strong focus of his speech centred on innovation. He urged the police service to accelerate reforms and adopt modern technologies that can improve efficiency and response times. He highlighted tools such as drones and advanced surveillance systems as practical solutions that can strengthen policing outcomes. According to the President, the success of both the police and the nation depends on how quickly institutions embrace innovation. He challenged officers to rethink outdated processes and adopt smarter systems. His message placed innovation at the core of future policing strategies in Botswana.
The President also addressed serious social issues affecting communities. He raised concern about the continued rise in Gender Based Violence, noting that many of these incidents occur in private spaces where police presence is limited. He stressed that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem and called on families and communities to take responsibility. He urged citizens to actively protect vulnerable individuals and report abuse. In addition, he warned against the misuse of social media platforms, highlighting how online harassment and defamation can damage social cohesion. He called for responsible digital behaviour to support a safer society.
Earlier, Dinah Marathe outlined key reforms within the Botswana Police Service. She pointed to SMART policing, intelligence led operations, and data driven strategies as central to improving performance. She also noted progress in digitalising services and expanding the Safer City project to enhance urban security. Despite financial constraints, she reaffirmed the service’s commitment to delivering consistent public safety. Her remarks showed a clear alignment with the President’s call for innovation and reform. The focus remains on using available resources more effectively.
In his closing remarks, Moeti Caesar Mohwasa praised ongoing community policing efforts. He encouraged officers to develop new ideas that will attract young people to crime prevention initiatives. He stressed that youth engagement is critical for long term safety and stability. He also reiterated government plans to improve working conditions for officers, stating that motivated personnel are more productive. The conference was also attended by Mosadi Seboko and other senior officials, reflecting strong national support for policing reforms. The gathering sets a clear direction for the Botswana Police Service to strengthen resilience and drive innovation in the years ahead.
