Botswana: Botswana Police Service (BPS) South Central Division held a Mass Prayer yesterday (28/09/2023) in Gaborone to end the Month of Prayer Against HIV/AIDS, Non Communicable Diseases, Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Road Traffic Accidents.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Commander South Central, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Bonnie Bareki advised police officers to absolve themselves from being perpetrators in social ills such as GBV.
Additionally, he urged them to take necessary measures in the event that they find themselves as victims.
Bonnie Bareki highlighted that the spirit of togetherness was a catalyst for increased productivity in the workplace, stating that it was paramount for officers to work as a team with compassion and love for each other.
For his part, Assistant Superintendent Gaofenngwe Ernest Dibate of Traffic Headquarters called officers to exercise behavioural change towards HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, he encouraged young officers to be faithful in their relationships and to practice safe sexual relations.
Meanwhile, Sub Inspector Bonno Gaefele of Broadhurst Police Gender and Child Protection Unit noted that police officers needed occasional counselling as they dealt with overwhelming work on a daily basis. She stated that seeking counselling should not be seen as a sign of weakness but a healing process for one’s mental and psychological being.
The Mass Prayer was held under the theme, “A Prayerful Youth: A getaway to Healthy Lifestyle.”