Botswana Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory (BPFSL) has formally received its ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation |Certificate from the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS).

This milestone achievement recognises BPFSL's Calibration Laboratory in the scope of Traffic Management Systems and it has been granted an accreditation number CAL-20 002 which signifies that it is internationally recognised.

When delivering handing over remarks in Gaborone recently, the Chief Executive Officer of SADCAS Ms. Eve Christine Gadzikwa commended BPFSL on this momentous occasion, highlighting the rigorous nature of the accreditation process and its benefits.

Ms. Gadzikwa underscored the importance of accredited forensic laboratories, is to ensure that methods and test results meet international standards, foster confidence in forensic evidence, and promote continuous improvement. She said the recognition assures stakeholders that the laboratory's methodologies are competent, impartial, and consistent with international best practice. She noted that the laboratories play a critical role in the justice system by providing reliable evidence that can make a significant difference in the outcome of cases.

She said the proper and regulated maintenance and calibration of breathalyser equipment will now guarantee the accuracy and reliability of test results and enhance the integrity of investigation and contribute to fair trial and justice.

In his acceptance speech Deputy Commissioner of Police, Support Services, Solomon Mantswe expressed gratitude towards the accreditation and promised that BPS is commit to upholding the requirements thereof. He further assured the effectiveness of the Forensic science and law enforcement function. He said the Accreditation was a clear demonstration of Botswana’s commitment to adopting international best practices in forensic science particularly road safety.

Deputy Commissioner Mantswe said Botswana Police Service Forensic Science laboratory was established to promote scientific methods in crime investigation, providing objective and reliable evidence across a spectrum of offences, including Gender-Based Violence, illicit drugs, firearms-related crimes, stock theft, wildlife crimes, and road traffic accidents.

He added that the Certificate was more than just a technical validation, but a symbol of unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Katlholo Mosimanegape, said the Accreditation was a demonstration of BPS’s commitment to providing quality service in ensuring public safety and security.

He said the Forensic Science Services was introduced in 1989 as a way of strengthening Police investigations with major roles in chemistry, Biology, Ballistics and Pathology.

He said the accreditation process, which began in 2016, and completed in 2025, was a result of dedication by forensic science professionals and through support of various stakeholders such as Botswana Bureau of Standards and SADCAS. 

Deputy Commissioner Mosimanegape appreciated the comprehensive document audit review process, saying that it did not only bring about the Certificate, but strengthened the forensic capabilities.

The Accreditation Certificate, which is valid for five years, positions Botswana Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory as the first laboratory in Botswana and the second in the SADC region to attain this specialised forensic science accreditation.