Incidents of crime in general in Botswana are said to have decreased by eight percent in 2024 when compared to the previous year.
This was revealed by police commissioner Dinah Marathe this week during the 51st Botswana Police Service senior officers annual conference in Gaborone. The conference was attended by over 300 senior police officers from the rank of Superintendent to Commissioner.
“Penal code offences have reduced by 11 percent, while violent and serious crimes which include break ins, robberies, rape, defilement, threat to kill, murder, stock theft and theft of motor vehicle have reduced by 15 percent,” she highlighted.
In the first quarter of this year violent and serious crimes are still on the downward trend with an eight percent decrease. However, Marathe expressed concern at the level of violence and brutality displayed in committing crimes such as rape, murder and robbery.
“Despite the notable performance, our immediate concern is the harrowing level of violence and brutality in the commission of some of these crimes,” pointed out Marathe.
On the country’s roads, safety and deaths are said to have improved gradually over the years although driving at high speed, drunken driving and under the influence of depressants and bad driver attitude are the major contributors of road traffic accidents.
“In 2024 we lost 346 lives due to road traffic accidents against 396 in 2023, which translates to 12.6 percent reduction. For the first quarter of 2025, the country has registered 72 deaths against 61 in 2024 which translates to 18 percent increase,” highlighted Botswana Police Services Commissioner.
She assured that BPS will continue to strengthen its traffic enforcement efforts, the use of technology and public education campaigns with the aim of significantly reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.
Commissioner Marathe indicated that Botswana has not been spared from the effects of transnational organised crime, such as cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking and the threat of terrorism.
“The country has experienced cyber threats in the form of digital fraud, mobile money fraud, cyber bullying and ransom ware attacks. This calls for a coordinated approach in our efforts policing the cyber space,” urged Marathe.
Due the digital world and the rapid changes in technology Marathe pleaded with government to invest more in law enforcement technology, in order to respond effectively to modern day crime challenges. “I humbly request government to resource the Botswana Police at all levels with technological equipment in order to meet modern day demands in public security. This comes at a high cost,” concluded Marathe.
