Article By: Tebogo Mokoto
Botswana is taking a tough stance against rising crime rates with the launch of the first-ever City Police Unit (CPU) in Gaborone. Launched in December, the specialised unit aims to tackle urban crime head-on through targeted strategies and rapid response. Botswana Police Spokesperson Dipheko Motube says the CPU will tackle more serious offences that pose a significant threat to public safety. He highlighted the unit's ability to reign in advanced criminal syndicates in high-risk scenarios, adding that the unit will also prioritise swift response to crime reports.
Motube said the unit is also equipped and trained to handle high-risk situations involving dangerous criminals, providing crucial backup to regular police when necessary.
Meanwhile, Botswana Police Service’s fight against crime is set to receive a significant boost with the deployment of 1,000 new police recruits and the construction of 28 brand-new police stations. Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, announced these plans during a recent session of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. The 1,000 recruits, expected to graduate in April, will be strategically deployed across various locations, increasing police presence and potentially deterring criminal activity.