Africa-Press – Botswana. The Commissioner of Botswana Police Service (BPS), Ms Diana Marathe has condemned senseless attacks on police officers whilst on duty.
Speaking during the commemoration of INTERPOL International Day of Remembrance of Fallen Police Officers in Gaborone on Friday, Ms Marathe said BPS would continuously train and equip officers to adequately and professionally protect themselves against violent criminals.
“ I equally challenge Batswana at large to denounce any violent acts targeted at the police and continue volunteering criminal information including security threats, so that offenders are apprehended and prosecuted,” she said.
In that regard, Ms Marathe called on the nation to stand in unison in remembrance of men and women who lost their lives in line of duty.
“We shall forever remember them and cherish their invaluable contributions towards community safety, organisational transformation and national development,” she said.
Ms Marathe thus urged police officers to stand united in their resolve to protect the communities, uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the nation and its people against countering forces.
“Let us continue to observe discipline and adhere to police core values and professional ethics, whilst heeding the voice of the customer, in order to ensure that our existence and the service we render to our customers remain relevant, effective and appealing in the eyes of the public,” she said.
Ms Marathe said as law enforcement officers, BPS should strive to create a safer, more secure and resilient Botswana for all.
She further commended the BPS for its unwavering commitment and daily sacrifices towards ensuring the safety and security of Batswana including all residents.
Such efforts, she said were the core reasons why Botswana continued to enjoy peace and stability therefore emphasising the need to continue building a formidable force and exercising resilience and guarantee professionalism in fighting crime.
As an active member of INTERPOL since 1980, BPS was celebrating the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers for the first time.
The day’s objective was to honour police officers who died while performing their duties and give families, colleagues, and communities a forum to remember and honour the fallen as well as strengthen international police organisations’ solidarity and cooperation.
To that effect, BPS is considering building a monument in honour of fallen police officers which will be accessed by all Batswana and visitors alike.
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