Botswana Police Service (BPS) commenced a two-day National Conference on Crime Prevention today (19/03/2025) in Gaborone. The Conference serves as a platform for developing and implementing effective police/community collaborations and finding ways to harness insights and expertise in addressing critical issues that comprise the safety and security of all.

 

Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko called the Conference to have open discussions that will generate appropriate resolutions to close the gaps in crime prevention, address challenges and improve on the existing strategies.

 

He emphasised the urgent need for collective responsibility of the citizenry, community leaders, security professionals and all the other esteemed partners including those from regional and International realms to unite against crime threats. The President further noted that rapid technological advancement and evolving social dynamics have transformed crime into complex challenges that transcend traditional boundaries, demanding therefore, for a multi-sectoral approach.

 

The President acknowledged the relevance of the theme for the event, ‘ Forging Collaborative Pathways Towards Safer Communities’ stating that the Conference has gathered a pool of various and determined stakeholders forming a united front against crime. “This gathering therefore, serves as evidence to our willpower to forge pathways that ensures every woman, child and citizen can live without fear, thrive in their potential and contribute to the rich tapestry of our nation’s future.”

 

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of human rights which sustainable security must be founded on, stating that there is an intrinsic link between security and human rights, asserting that a secure environment is characterised not only by the absence of crime but also by the presence of justice, dignity and respect for all individuals.

 

Giving a vote of thanks, the Minister for State President, Honourable Moeti Caesar Mohwasa reiterated the importance of the meaningful contribution towards crime prevention. “Your active involvement is essential for us to collectively move forward and implement the solutions discussed".

 

Minister Mohwasa further implored participants to carry the momentum they will get from the deliberations to their respective communities. He encouraged them to continue working together towards safer communities.

Earlier on, the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe in her welcome remarks, expressed gratitude to the government’s commitment towards resourcing BPS in the delivery of its mandate. The Commissioner expressed that BPS would continue to discharge their duties with the required agility, vitality and boldness, in order to achieve effective service delivery.

 

The Conference will end tomorrow (20/03/2025).