Botswana: Officers from the Botswana Police and Prison Services came together for a six-week Basic Equestrian Training Course. The joint training initiative was held at Mahuhumetsa Horse Stables in Dikgonnye Village.
The officers were trained in the art of horse riding with the aim of adding to the officers’ skill. This would lead to better service delivery for the members of the community. The police officers would be more easily accessible to the community.
They would also be able to respond quickly in case of emergencies in areas that are not easily accessible by motor vehicles. The graduation ceremony for the event was hosted on Friday with the high level members of both Police and Prison Services.
The Director of Training, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Phonchi delivered the keynote address at the event. He spoke of the collaborations between the Botswana Police and Prison Services.
He believes that the cooperation between the two organizations aligns with the vision of the president for the betterment of the nation. The people of Botswana will also benefit from the partnership as they can communicate their grievances better.
The officials of the two organizations are delighted by the success of the initiative. According to officer Godfrey Phonchi, initiatives like Kgomokhumo would benefit immensely from horse riding courses.
They will help in investigations and driving animals to places of safety in challenging terrains. Further Phonchi urged the graduates of the training initiative to carry out their duties effectively as horse riders.
He also appreciated them for their dedication to completing the course.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Dirang Ntibi applauded the graduates for completing the challenging course. He stated that the initiative would help them acquire many skills, including problem-solving.
Colonel Mautenyane Mautenyane, Director of Intelligence and Security at Botswana Prison Service, commended the BPS for awarding them an opportunity to be part of this programme. He said the training acquired by their officers will assist in tracking escapees in challenging landscapes, among others.
Mautenyane said he appreciates the graduates for their hard work, resilience, determination, and patience while working with the animals and being able to tame them successfully.
The combined course, the first of its kind, comprised six officers from the Botswana Police Service and six from the Prisons Service.