Botswana: Five Botswana Police Service (BPS) Co-Pilots have successfully completed the Helicopter Conversion Training, which qualifies them to fly BPS Helicopters.
Four of the five were Commercial Pilot licence holders, and one Rotor Pilot graduated today (21/09/2023) at the Wings Parade Award Ceremony officiated by the Acting Commissioner of Police, Solomon Mantswe, in Gaborone.
In his keynote address, Mantswe applauded the graduates for their achievements and reminded them that their career path is full of personal sacrifices and demands absolute dedication to serve the nation. The Acting Commissioner further reminded the graduates that flight safety remains a key priority within the airborne enforcement business, urging them to always abide by the Oath of Allegiance and Police Code of Conduct.
Mantswe encouraged the graduates to apply the acquired knowledge and experiences to address customer demands and expectations in the fight against crime. He said with the ever-evolving crime dynamics, the BPS, among others, prioritised the introduction of airborne law enforcement to strengthen police operations.
Mantswe noted that the establishment has significantly improved service delivery within the organisation, aligning with the Government Reset Agenda.
The Acting Commissioner commended the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), South African Police Service (SAPS) and French Government for their invaluable support in the creation of the Air Support Branch.
For his part, the Deputy Director Air Support Branch responsible for Operations, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Morris, said the Air Support Branch has tremendously grown over the years, having started with three helicopters and only one pilot in its formative stages in 2009 to the current 12 Aircrafts and 16 pilots.
He noted that they are proud of the graduates who will add impetus to the Branch.
The Graduation Ceremony was attended by, among others, Major General Hendrick Rakgantshwana, Air Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Larona Mokete, Air Manager, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, some members of the BPS Senior Management Team, parents and relatives to the Graduates.