Africa-Press – Botswana. The acting Leader of the Opposition also MP for Bobirwa, Mr Taolo Lucas has condemned recent violent attacks on police officers, describing them as a direct assault on national peace and security.
Making a statement in Parliament on Friday, Mr Lucas expressed concern over the brutal treatment of police officers, noting that disturbing images of officers had surfaced on social media following violent incidents in Mmathethe and Molepolole by community individuals.
Mr Lucas said police officers performed a noble duty in society, serving as the guarantors of peace, security and the protection of life and property.
He lamented that individuals were subjecting officers to ‘horrendous attacks’ whose willingness to resort to violence was deeply alarming.
“These incidents and many others like them, demand the urgent attention of the nation and its lawmakers. An attack on the police is an attack on the peace, tranquility and good order of the republic,” said Mr Lucas.
He described the attacks as a gross violation of the authority of the state, warning that continued aggression toward law enforcement would undermine national stability.
Emphasising the foundational role of the police in Botswana’s democracy, Mr Lucas referred to the Botswana Police Act (Chapter 21:01), which designated officers as peace officers with clear mandates to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime as well as uphold public order.
“The Police Service is a critical institution in the consolidation and promotion of peace and security in Botswana, therefore, any act of violence against them should provoke a sense of revulsion in all peace-loving citizens,” he said.
Mr Lucas called on fellow MPs and all levels of government to take a firm public stance against violence targeting police.
He reiterated that as the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), they encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with formal police grievance procedures and utilise them when aggrieved, instead of resorting to violence.
“Violence should never be an option,” he emphasised.
In his recommendations, Mr Lucas called and urged the Minister for State President, whose portfolio includes the Botswana Police Service, to lead a national campaign against police-directed violence.
He also called on the Commissioner of Botswana Police Service to review operational procedures and ensure that officers were equipped with appropriate non-lethal tools to protect themselves in the line of duty.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for full psychological and medical support for officers affected by recent incidents, urging that they receive the necessary assistance to recover from their trauma.
Sharing similar sentiments following the statement by Mr Lucas, MP for Lobatse, Mr Kamal Jacobs, emphasised the need for harsher penalties for individuals who assault police officers.
He said stronger consequences would serve as a deterrent and ensure that police officers were never subjected to such violence again.
Echoing the same concern, Specially Elected MP, retired Major General Pius Mokgware stated that the government was actively addressing the issue.
He stressed that police safety was a national priority and must not be neglected.
“The government is concerned and taking action. We cannot allow a situation where the lives and safety of our police officers are under constant threat,” said Maj. Gen Mokgware.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
