The Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Honourable Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, officially launched a Special Support Group (SSG) detachment in Mahalapye recently, marking an important milestone in efforts to strengthen policing and public safety in the area.

When giving a keynote address, Minister Mohwasa said the establishment of the SSG contingent demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of Batswana.

He further assured the public that despite current financial challenges faced by the Government, the commitment to maintaining peace, stability and security remains unwavering. He also noted that a safe and stable environment is essential for economic growth, social development and investor confidence.

The Minister noted that bringing specialised policing services closer to communities plays a vital role in ensuring that citizens feel safe and supported. He also said a visible and responsive police presence reassures communities that their safety remains a national priority.

The Minister explained that the decision to deploy an SSG detachment in Mahalapye was informed by the strategic importance of the area, which lies along the busy North–South corridor. This positioning makes the area significant for policing operations, including the response to serious criminal incidents and other emergencies such as natural disasters.

When giving an overview, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe highlighted that the deployment forms part of the Botswana Police Service’s broader strategy to strengthen proactive policing and improve its ability to address emerging crime trends.

She explained that decentralising the SSG function to strategic areas across the country is part of efforts to strengthen operational readiness and ensure quicker response to incidents. She said BPS already maintains permanent SSG deployments in areas such as Francistown, Palapye, Orapa and Jwaneng.

Commissioner Marathe further noted that while the overall crime situation in Mahalapye showed improvement in 2025 compared to the previous year, certain offences such as murder, threats to kill and theft of motor vehicles recorded an increase, highlighting the need for strengthened policing capacity.

The Commissioner expressed confidence that the deployment of the SSG officers will strengthen police operations in Mahalapye and surrounding areas while advancing the principles of community policing.

When addressing the newly deployed officers, Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable David Tshere, who is also Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West constituency urged them to perform their duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights, while building strong relationships with the communities they serve.

When giving his welcome remarks earlier, Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye Village expressed appreciation for the decision to establish the SSG detachment in his area stating that the development comes at an important time as the village continues to grow and face evolving crime challenges. He said the residents of Mahalapye are ready to work hand in hand with police to fight crime.

The deployment of the detachment is expected to enhance police visibility, improve response to serious crime incidents and reinforce public confidence in the police.

The SSG was introduced in 1977 as a Paramilitary Unit of the Botswana Police Service to support specialised policing functions and high-risk operations. Over the years, the branch has evolved to provide a range of specialised services, including tactical support, SWAT operations, K9 and mounted units, as well as escort and scuba services.