The Botswana Police Service (BPS) continues to strengthen its crime-fighting arsenal with the strategic expansion of mounted patrols—an approach that has proven instrumental in boosting operational success across the country. On 17 July 2025, the service officially closed a nine-week Basic Horse Riding Course, known as Equestrian, in Dikgonnye, marking a significant milestone in law enforcement training and community policing.
During the graduation ceremony, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Luke Motokwane, Deputy Commander of the Special Support Group (SSG) responsible for Operations, hailed the initiative as a forward-looking step in the evolution of crime prevention and community engagement. ACP Motokwane emphasised that as crime patterns shift and evolve, law enforcement must adopt innovative strategies to stay ahead. Mounted patrols, he said, offer an edge in both visibility and mobility—especially in terrains where vehicles are impractical.
“Mounted patrols are more than just tradition; they are tactical,” he noted. “Horses allow our officers to reach difficult locations, enhance visibility, and create a strong, approachable presence within communities.” The newly qualified equestrian officers will play a pivotal role in bolstering the BPS’s efforts in areas where quick, flexible response and community trust are vital.
Senior Superintendent Thuto Gontse, SSG Training Officer, highlighted the high quality of the training programme, noting that it is fully accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA). This accreditation ensures that the course aligns with national educational and professional standards, reinforcing its credibility and impact. He further explained that the course was designed with a regional perspective, with objectives that align with best practices across the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) region. Graduates were equipped not only with practical horse-riding skills but also with the theoretical and strategic understanding needed to apply those skills effectively in the field.
Assistant Commissioner Motokwane encouraged the graduates to carry the spirit of continuous improvement into their careers, stating that “a horse rider never ceases to learn.” He expressed confidence that the new equestrian officers would leave a meaningful impact on the communities they serve and become symbols of law enforcement excellence.
The ceremony drew a diverse gathering of dignitaries and community representatives, including Kgosi Ishmael Rakgati of Dikgonnye, retired Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and former SSG Commander Kedikilwe Dikgang, and Honourable Councillor for Dikgonnye-Kgomodiatshaba Obert Mooketsi. Their presence underscored the importance of community involvement in law enforcement progress and the growing recognition of mounted patrols as a valuable public safety tool.
As Botswana continues to lead by example in innovative policing, the expansion and formalisation of mounted patrols through accredited training is a strong step toward safer, more connected communities.
