District No.5 Traffic Officer Superintendent Oathusa Tshotego has reported a generally positive impact from Operation Pabalesego II, despite notable spikes in certain offenses, as police intensified preventative and educational measures during the 2025 festive season.
The operation was launched on November 14, 2025 with a dual focus on crime prevention and road safety. Tshotego said police anticipated a significant influx of people into the district over the festive period, prompting strengthened visibility, motorist education and community engagement. His policing district covers Gweta, Maun, Maun Airport and Sehithwa.
A year-on-year comparison during the campaign period between 2024 and 2025 shows several categories recorded declines. House break-ins dropped from 26 to 20 cases, a 23% decrease, while stock theft fell from 15 to 10 cases, marking a 33% reduction. Rape cases declined by 25%, from 20 to 15, and obtaining by false presences decreased from 32 to 21 cases, a 34% drop.
Traffic-related serious offenses also declined. Serious traffic cases reduced from five to three, a 40% decrease, while fatal traffic offenses dropped by 50%, from four cases in 2024 to two in 2025. However, the number of fatalities remained unchanged at four deaths in both years.
In contrast, some offenses increased sharply. Murder cases rose from one to five, representing a 400% increase, while traffic violations surged. Overspeeding cases climbed from 499 to 770, a 54% increase, and driving without a licence rose from 178 to 313 cases, an increase of nearly 76%.
Superintendent Tshotego said the overall decline in most crime categories suggested that “people were taking heed of police warnings and guidance,” although he acknowledged that “some individuals still engaged in criminal activities.” He emphasised that education formed a key pillar of the operation, with officers advising motorists on road safety, vehicle fitness, and the protection of personal belongings, while also guiding businesses on secure cash handling.
Earlier, Maun Station Commander Superintendent Joseph Lepodise had reported early gains under the same operation, including detections involving drugs, stock theft, offensive weapons and illegal alcohol depots. He stressed that crime tends to spike on weekends due to alcohol and drug abuse, reinforcing the need for continued public cooperation.
Tshotego concluded by thanking Batswana for working with the police to reduce overall crime and urged the public to continue abiding by the law as Operation Pabalesego II ran until 6 January 2026, aiming to sustain safety through the festive period and beyond.
