Africa-Press – Botswana. A highly modernised and agile police service is vital to ensuring law and order says Assistant Minister of Communication and Innovation, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the refurbished Phakalane Police Post in Gaborone yesterday, Mr Nthaile emphasised the importance of creating an environment where all Batswana could enjoy basic human rights, including the right to life, education, shelter, and clean water, as outlined in United Nations Conventions.
“The government must address the persistent and alarming levels of violence, particularly in relation to crimes such as gender-based violence, which are often exacerbated by drug use,” Nthaile explained.
Mr Ntlhaile who is also the Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, stressed the significance of upholding human rights while maintaining the rule of law to build a better future for Botswana. He acknowledged the Botswana Police Service’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens and their property, highlighting their capabilities in tackling contemporary crimes, including cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism financing. He assured that the government would continue to allocate resources equitably towards high-yield projects and programs for the benefit of the broader population.
The Commissioner of Botswana Police Service, Ms Dinah Marathe addressed the challenges of urban crime, particularly in Phakalane, noting a rise in property break-ins, home invasions, and vehicle thefts targeting unsuspecting citizens.
She confirmed that strategies are being implemented to combat these issues and ensure a safer environment for residents. Ms Marathe stressed the importance of equipping the Botswana Police Service with modern resources and facilities that meet the expectations of the community.
“Despite current economic challenges, we are grateful for the resources available to us. We commit to the optimal utilisation of the scarce resources we have for the greater benefit of Batswana and residents,” said Ms Marathe.
However, Ms Marathe noted that many police facilities were aging and have surpassed their maintenance cycles due to financial constraints, which could impact officer morale and public interactions.
“The current state of facilities underscores the need for alternative maintenance solutions,” she warned.
The Commissioner highlighted the ‘Adopt-a-Police-Station’ initiative, which fosters a partnership between the Botswana Police Service and the business community. This initiative represents crucial investments in policing infrastructure and corporate social responsibility.
“This collaboration not only enhances the physical appearance of police stations but also strengthens our law enforcement capabilities,” Ms Marathe said, committing to the continued development of this strategic partnership for mutual benefit.
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