Botswana: Botswana recorded a high number of road traffic fatalities in the festive season of Christmas. As per the reports, 45 people died in 33 fatal road traffic accidents.
Botswana Police Service said that this season’s fatalities were higher than the last year. As per last year’s data, 22 people lost their lives, and 18 accidents occurred. Data also revealed that out of the 45, 14 were drivers, 15 passengers and 16 pedestrians.
Moreover, the overall road safety situation depicts an increase in the total number of road traffic accidents recorded countrywide, from 440 in 2022/2023 to 687 in 2023/2024 festive season.
The number of people who sustained serious injuries increased from 56 in the previous period to 85, representing a 52% hike, whilst minor injuries rose from 46 to 116, thus a 152% escalation. The statistics indicate that the majority of the accidents were a result of human error.
However, after so many accidents, residents are still not driving safely, and some motorists continue to speed and drive under the influence of alcohol.
Botswana Police is also doing breath alcohol tests. They had a total of 982 tests out of 523 were positive.
Botswana Police also shared data of Offences for both years:
Offences 2022/2023 2023/2024
Drunken driving 450 523
Speeding 3230 4994
Driving without licence 2159 2427
Careless driving 440 562
Traffic lights Violation 883 825
Failure to wear seat belt 2027 2569
Mobile use in driving 503 580
No Driving License 119 85
Other offences 8190 11123
Moreover, Botswana Police also recorded declinement in some major offences such as murder, rape, defilement and threats to kill. A total of 20 murder cases were recorded this time. However, last year, the count was 25.
Some of the murder cases occurred this year because of misunderstandings between victims and perpetrators. The Police also recorded a total of 24 armed robbery cases this festive season compared to 16 in the 2023 festive period.
Botswana Police also extended their thanks and appreciated all stakeholders and the public for their unwavering support and cooperation during the just-ended festive season.
Some members of the communities across the country realised the importance of neighbourhood watch initiative and further engaged security companies to guard against criminal activities during the period under review.