Police Commissioner defends Adopt-a-police station initiative
Botswana Police Service (BPS) Commissioner, Dinah Marathe has explained that adopting a police station initiative does not mean that the police will not arrest or charge those who break the law.
They will still hold people accountable without fear or favour, but the initiative is only meant to seek assistance in uplifting the look and feel of Botswana police stations particularly community service centres and their surroundings.
When President Mokgweetsi Masisi launched the initiative in Gaborone a month ago, a lot of questions were asked. Many were worried that it meant that those who had money to donate to the police would be untouchable. They wondered if the police would be able to bite the hand that feeds them.
BPS, Marathe said, remains committed and resolute in its efforts to deliver on its core mandate of ensuring public safety and security in partnership with the community.
The police boss said people should not be shocked and worried as the ideology is not new to BPS. The organisation has in the past received numerous support from the business community including the donation of satellite police stations, child-friendly centres, motor vehicles and other support resources.
Marathe is a happy woman in that though some have been making negative remarks about the initiative, some businesses decided to see the good in what BPS was suggesting. They have been receiving immense support from the community, so much that almost all police stations have been adopted.
“We will soon be receiving 20 vehicles that will be donated to BPS by the banking authority of this country. Other corporate agencies like the mining component have also donated several vehicles to BPS in the past,” Marathe said.
The serious crime squad offices have already been renovated through assistance from some community entities and Marathe appreciated how beautiful the building was, saying clients will now be comfortable when visiting the office.
Marathe has also promised that as the country goes for elections, they are promising Batswana a peaceful and credible poll.
They will still hold people accountable without fear or favour, but the initiative is only meant to seek assistance in uplifting the look and feel of Botswana police stations particularly community service centres and their surroundings.
When President Mokgweetsi Masisi launched the initiative in Gaborone a month ago, a lot of questions were asked. Many were worried that it meant that those who had money to donate to the police would be untouchable. They wondered if the police would be able to bite the hand that feeds them.
BPS, Marathe said, remains committed and resolute in its efforts to deliver on its core mandate of ensuring public safety and security in partnership with the community.
The police boss said people should not be shocked and worried as the ideology is not new to BPS. The organisation has in the past received numerous support from the business community including the donation of satellite police stations, child-friendly centres, motor vehicles and other support resources.
Marathe is a happy woman in that though some have been making negative remarks about the initiative, some businesses decided to see the good in what BPS was suggesting. They have been receiving immense support from the community, so much that almost all police stations have been adopted.
“We will soon be receiving 20 vehicles that will be donated to BPS by the banking authority of this country. Other corporate agencies like the mining component have also donated several vehicles to BPS in the past,” Marathe said.
The serious crime squad offices have already been renovated through assistance from some community entities and Marathe appreciated how beautiful the building was, saying clients will now be comfortable when visiting the office.
Marathe has also promised that as the country goes for elections, they are promising Batswana a peaceful and credible poll.
