The Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe, has publicly acknowledged the protracted delays in completing the Maitengwe Police Station project and offered a heartfelt apology to residents for the extended disruption in policing services.
Speaking at a Kgotla meeting in Maitengwe on the morning of July 9, 2025, Commissioner Marathe addressed community frustrations over the stalled infrastructure. Construction of the station began in October 2017 and was initially expected to be completed by May 2019. However, a series of contractual challenges resulted in an eight-year delay.
“Let me express my sincere apologies for the prolonged delay, which has not only affected your access to policing services but has also hindered our ability to deliver on our mandate as the Police,” said Commissioner Marathe.
She confirmed that after years of litigation, all contractual issues were finally resolved earlier this month. Efforts are now underway to engage a new contractor to finish the remaining work. According to Commissioner Marathe, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is working closely with the Botswana Police Service (BPS) to ensure the project is completed by the end of this year or, at the latest, early next year.
Commissioner Marathe emphasised the strategic importance of the Maitengwe Police Station, particularly due to the village’s proximity to the Zimbabwean border. “The station was, among others, meant to help address transnational organised crimes such as illegal immigration, stock theft, and drug trafficking,” she noted, underlining the urgent need for operational policing infrastructure in the area.
In the meantime, she reassured residents that local police continue to collaborate with Zimbabwean authorities and the community to combat cross-border criminal activities. She also encouraged residents to play an active role in addressing issues such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), cybercrime, defilement, and drug abuse.
As part of ongoing efforts to better serve vulnerable groups, Commissioner Marathe revealed that BPS is considering establishing a Child-Friendly Centre in Tutume. This facility would focus on addressing issues affecting women and children in the region.
During the meeting, Kgosi Mphala Shadrack Lou Mengwe of Maitengwe echoed the community’s concerns, citing an increase in GBV, stock theft, and cross-border crime. He urged the government to expedite the completion of the police station, noting that it would play a crucial role in enhancing safety in the village and surrounding areas.
Residents also expressed appreciation for the recent absorption of Special Constables into the ranks of regular officers, commending the Commissioner for strengthening the police workforce and community protection efforts.
With renewed momentum and community support, the long-awaited completion of the Maitengwe Police Station now appears within reach—offering hope for improved security and stronger cross-border crime prevention in Botswana’s northeast.
