The unity between the Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Defence Force has been recognised as a strong partnership that continues to produce clear results for national security. Commissioner of Police Dinah Marathe made the remarks while welcoming Botswana Defence Force Commander General Mpho Churchill Mophuting during a courtesy call at Police Headquarters on 19 January 2026. The engagement highlighted the role of inter agency cooperation in maintaining law and order. It also reinforced a shared commitment to protecting communities across the country.
The meeting marked the first formal engagement between the two leaders since General Mophuting’s appointment in November 2025. Commissioner Marathe congratulated the General on his promotion and expressed confidence in his leadership. She noted that his experience in national security operations would make collaboration between the two institutions smoother. She further encouraged him to share lessons from his previous role as Botswana’s Ambassador to the United States of America to help strengthen local law enforcement strategies.
Commissioner Marathe attributed the reduction in crime levels, including armed robbery cases, to the strong partnership between the BPS and the BDF. She said joint operations have increased police visibility and strengthened stop question and search activities. According to the Commissioner, these combined efforts have improved crime prevention outcomes and enhanced overall law enforcement effectiveness. She described the partnership as results driven and essential to public safety.
The Commissioner also called for joint preparedness in the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. She warned that such a situation could stretch limited resources if agencies do not work together. She stressed that coordinated planning and shared responsibility are critical in managing national emergencies. Her remarks reflected the expanding scope of security collaboration beyond traditional policing.
In his response, General Mophuting committed to continuing the long standing cooperation between the Botswana Defence Force and the Botswana Police Service. He described the partnership as a legacy inherited from his predecessors. He proposed broadening collaboration to include training and skills development. He also emphasised the importance of continuous engagement at leadership and operational levels.
Deputy Commissioner Operations Katlholo Mosimanegape and members of the BPS senior management team attended the meeting. General Mophuting was accompanied by Secretary of the General Staff Brigadier Mothokhumo Mokgadi and other senior BDF officers. Their presence underscored institutional support for sustained cooperation. The engagement reaffirmed the BPS and BDF partnership as a pillar of Botswana’s national security framework.
