President Gideon Boko on Monday officially opened the 51st Botswana Police Senior Officers’ Annual Conference, calling for stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The event, held at the Police College in Otse, brought together top-ranking police officers from across the country under the theme “Strengthening Police-Community Partnerships for Enhanced Public Safety.”
In his keynote address, President Boko commended the Botswana Police Service (BPS) for its continued commitment to upholding law and order, noting that the institution remains one of the most respected public service bodies in the country. He emphasized the need for modernization in policing methods to address rising and complex crimes such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, and gender-based violence.
“We are in an era where crime no longer respects borders,” President Boko said. “It is imperative that our police service evolves in tandem with global security trends. This includes adopting technology, building community trust, and investing in officer welfare.”
The President further underscored the significance of police-community relations, stating that effective policing cannot exist in isolation. He urged senior officers to lead by example and champion transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the force.
Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, echoed the president’s sentiments, noting that public safety is a shared responsibility. He called for continuous engagement with civil society, local authorities, and traditional leaders to reinforce the social fabric of safety.
Acting Police Commissioner, Dinah Marathe, presented a report on the current state of policing in Botswana. She highlighted key successes achieved over the past year, including a notable reduction in property-related crimes and the successful implementation of community policing initiatives in urban and rural districts. However, she also acknowledged persistent challenges such as budget constraints, staff shortages, and rising cases of domestic violence.
The conference also served as a platform for policy review and strategy formulation. Sessions included workshops on crime prevention, ethical leadership, technology in policing, and gender-sensitive law enforcement. Experts from neighbouring SADC countries were invited to share regional experiences and foster cross-border collaboration.
President Boko’s attendance marked his first official engagement with the police since assuming office, signaling a strong endorsement of security sector reform and institutional integrity. His presence was widely interpreted as a show of support for the BPS’s role in national development.
The three-day conference will conclude with the adoption of a new five-year strategic policing plan, focusing on intelligence-led operations, community empowerment, and digital transformation.
