 visited Broadhurst Police Station to interact personnel){kind=link}
Botswana: The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, yesterday (26.04.2023) visited Broadhurst Police Station to interact with the personnel, appreciate office facilities and acknowledge successes realised in delivering the Botswana Police Service (BPS) mandate.
In his remarks prior to the tour, the President said that the visit would accord him the opportunity to explore strengths and weaknesses in the area of law enforcement. He also pointed out that Botswana is viewed regionally and beyond as a beacon of peace and democracy, adding that many nations envy the peace and tranquillity that prevails in the country. He, however, challenged police officers to continuously nurture and strengthen the positive outlook for the benefit of the current and future generations.
The President reiterated that public safety is a key enabler to socio-economic development, hence the need to have a safe and secure Botswana in order to succeed in attracting potential investors that would, in the end, create employment opportunities.
Dr Masisi also said professional policing calls for periodic review and alignment of crime counter-strategies and public safety programmes to match emerging challenges. He added that the process requires police officers with high integrity, competent, dynamic and change-oriented.
President Masisi appreciated the services rendered by Broadhurst Police Station, saying despite the densely populated and wide coverage area, the Police made a remarkable impact in addressing, amongst others, cash-in-transit heists, home invasions, Gender Based Violence (GBV) and child abuse. He thanked the Police for their sacrifices towards ensuring the safety and security of communities residing in the area.
The President said that he was aware of the working environment, including resource limitations within the BPS. He assured the officers that despite competing resource challenges facing the country, Government will continue to prioritise and complement law enforcement resources to the benefit of the nation.
He said 28 Police Stations will be constructed during the 2023/2024 financial year to bring public safety closer to the people. In addition, the President said 1000 police officers will be recruited during the current financial year to enhance police visibility.
With respect to digitalisation, the President called on the Botswana Police Service to institutionalise the Reset and Re-Claim Agenda in order to make police services more relevant to the security requirements of society.
In giving a vote of thanks, the Minister of Defence and Security, Honourable Thomas Kagiso Mmusi, thanked the President for the support and guidance, adding that the BPS is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the nation. On behalf of the BPS, the Minister presented two bulls to His Excellency the President. The bulls were donated towards the President’s bull donation initiative.
Earlier on in his welcome remarks, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Phemelo Ramakorwane, said that the visit was a significant milestone as it would impact and motivate the BPS to deliver diligently to the core. He also mentioned that the visit offered the President a perspective on urban crime policing and its associated challenges.
The Acting Commissioner further said that Broadhurst Police Station is one of the busiest and handles diverse crimes such as robbery, illicit drugs, break-ins, murder, rape, fraud and breaking into motor vehicles, amongst others. Mr Ramakorwane also said the BPS is committed to maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of policing services within the available resources.
