Following the launch of Operation Pabalesego II on November 14, North West ag Divisional Commander, assistant commissioner Kabo Badirwang has revealed that his region spanning Gweta, Maun, Gantsi, Gumare, Shakawe up to Gudigwa, has hit the ground running: targeting criminality that takes advantage of the excitement and road traffic transgressions that come with the festive season.
Assistant commissioner Badirwang highlighted that understanding that kind of criminality, the operation led by the Police and Botswana Defence Force has primarily taken a stance to involve communities and other stakeholders in the fight against crime. Public education, he said ensures a successful fight against crime as it influences change in behaviour and attitude.
He said the operation has taken the public education approach in fighting crime, with an understanding that once empowered – the public is better placed to police itself, its surroundings and properties first before looking to the police.
During the operation and as part of public education, the involvement of community led groupings, that include Farmers Associations, neighborhood Watch and Student anti-drugs groups will remain key in raising awareness among communities.
Among the leading criminal acts during this period, according to Badirwang are violent robberies, break -inns, fraud, rape, stock theft, illegal possession of drugs among others. Road traffic transgressions are also on the rise, with an upsurge of road crashes and fatalities.
Gender Based Violence has become a crime of concern nationally, and Operation Pabalesego, goes all out to provide public education in a bit to curb the social problem. Through various platforms, that include Kgotla sessions with communities on protecting women and girls from rape and defilement, Badirwang is adamant this would reduce GBV prevalence.
The infiltration of drugs remains one of the major challenges facing policing nationally, and largely on the radar of the operation, as they also seem to flood the streets during the holidays when there buying power, Badirwang highlighted.
He has since called members of the public who may have information on drug dealers to tip off the police, and be assured that their identities will not be revealed.
The operation, he said also targets road traffic – where the emphasis is on motorists to also self-police to ensure they fit to drive, and whether their vehicles are road worthy. This also involves ensuring they do not drive under the influence of alcohol or habit-forming substances, and resting when fatigued. Through these engagements the police will also encourage people to use public transport which are much safter, and further urge motorists to be considerate the roads.
Outreach sessions will also reach the bus ranks to educate passengers of their rights when using public transport. This would avoid situations where passengers are forced to overloaded in public transport: which can lead to accidents.
Meanwhile, Badirwang has said they aim to see drastically reduced crime and road statistics be January 6, 2026 when a review of the festive season comes to a close.
