Botswana: The Director of Traffic Pilane Sebigi, applauded Mogoditshane residents for their cooperation during the two-day Operation to ensure a safe president’s day holiday. The Senior Assistant Commissioner noted that the operation was organised by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) Traffic Branch.
The officials have shared that the operation was hosted on the 12th and 13th July 2024 along A12 road at Gaphatshwa Village. The Senior Assistant Commissioner, Sebigi said the Operation was the first of its kind.
They wanted to ensure that the people celebrated the holiday safely by sensitising them about road safety. He said the Operation was a success as a result of pedestrians’ and motorists cooperation.
However, the Director Traffic expressed concern about road traffic accidents that continue to claim lives. Accordingly, the Police need to intensify their protective campaigns. The official also shared the statistics of accidents that involve pedestrians across the country.
Sebigi said in the year 2022, the Police recorded 111 cases of accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 126, in 2023 and 46 as of June 2024. In 2023, 11 pedestrian fatalities were recorded in the Mogoditshane area compared to seven (7) as of June 2024.
He said investigations reveal that these accidents were caused by speeding, drunken driving and pedestrian misconduct. The pedestrians have been known to be less careful while celebrating during any holidays.
Sebigi noted that these accidents mostly happened in Gaborone and surrounding villages such as Mogoditshane, Mochudi, Tlokweng and Ramotswa. Acting Director, Department of Road and Transport Services (DRTS), Godiraone Saudu commended the BPS for the initiative.
She also pledged to continue to collaborate with BPS to make Botswana roads safer. She urged motorists and pedestrians to take responsibility and work with relevant stakeholders to curtail road accidents.
Acting Director also pleaded with the entire nation to abide by the road rules and regulations at all times. The Operation was attended by among others, the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS), Motor Vehicle Accidents Funds (MVAF), Department of Roads and volunteers from Kopong village.