The Botswana Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory (BPFSL) has achieved a major milestone by receiving the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation Certificate from the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), marking a significant advancement in the country’s forensic capabilities.
This internationally recognised accreditation, designated with the number CAL-20 002, formally acknowledges the BPFSL’s Calibration Laboratory under the Traffic Management Systems scope. It confirms that the laboratory meets globally accepted standards for competence, impartiality, and consistency in testing and calibration processes — a critical requirement for forensic science services involved in law enforcement and the justice system.
The official handover ceremony took place in Gaborone on 15 July 2025, with SADCAS Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Eve Christine Gadzikwa, commending the BPFSL for its dedication to quality and international standards. She described the accreditation process as rigorous and detailed, but essential in ensuring that the methodologies used by forensic laboratories remain credible, scientifically sound, and legally defensible.
Ms. Gadzikwa stressed that accredited forensic laboratories enhance confidence in evidence, support fair trials, and promote continuous improvement. She highlighted that with this accreditation, Botswana’s breathalyser equipment will now undergo properly regulated calibration and maintenance, guaranteeing accurate and reliable test results — a vital aspect in road traffic investigations and prosecutions.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Support Services, Mr. Solomon Mantswe, accepted the certificate with pride and reiterated Botswana Police Service’s commitment to maintaining the high standards required by the accreditation. He noted that the achievement was not just technical recognition but a reflection of the country’s dedication to adopting international best practices in forensic science, especially in enhancing road safety and public trust in law enforcement.
Mr. Mantswe also explained the broader role of the Forensic Science Laboratory in supporting police investigations across various types of crime, including gender-based violence, drug and firearm offences, wildlife crimes, stock theft, and road accidents. He emphasised that the laboratory’s work is critical in delivering reliable and objective evidence that strengthens the rule of law.
Welcoming the guests at the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations, Mr. Katlholo Mosimanegape, described the accreditation as a strong statement of the Botswana Police Service’s commitment to high-quality forensic service delivery. He reflected on the journey of the Forensic Science Services, which was first introduced in 1989 to improve police investigations through disciplines like chemistry, biology, ballistics, and pathology.
He noted that the accreditation process began in 2016 and concluded in 2025, thanks to the dedication of forensic professionals and the support of institutions such as the Botswana Bureau of Standards and SADCAS. He also praised the thorough document audit and review process, which not only resulted in certification but also elevated the laboratory’s overall forensic capabilities.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation Certificate, valid for five years, makes the Botswana Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory the first of its kind in Botswana — and only the second in the SADC region — to receive this prestigious recognition. The certification is expected to boost the integrity of forensic work in the country, reinforcing the credibility of Botswana’s criminal justice system at both national and regional levels.
