- as Holiday Crowds Expected to Surge
With an influx of travellers expected to descend on Maun for the Easter holidays, police have announced heightened security measures and renewed safety appeals aimed at ensuring a peaceful long weekend in the tourism capital.
Acting Station Commander Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng said police visibility will be intensified across Maun, with officers deployed both on foot and through patrols in high-traffic areas and entertainment hotspots. He assured residents and visitors that law enforcement presence “will be felt all around Maun” as authorities move to manage the expected increase in activity.
Ikobeng urged motorists travelling into the area to exercise caution and strictly obey road rules, noting that Easter is traditionally marked by heavy travel across the country. He also called on holidaymakers planning water-based leisure activities to prioritise safety, advising members of the public to wear life jackets during boat rides and other water excursions to reduce the risk of accidents.
The acting station commander added that police have already been conducting pre-Easter educational campaigns in churches and communities, focusing on road safety and responsible behaviour during the holiday period. Large numbers of worshippers are expected to travel for Easter services and gatherings, prompting authorities to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging safe travel and compliance with traffic laws.
The renewed warnings come against the backdrop of longstanding concerns about road safety and crime during the Easter period. Historically, the holiday season has been associated with increased road traffic offences, including fatal crashes linked to reckless driving, failure to obey road signs and careless behaviour on the roads. Police say criminals also tend to exploit the period when many homes are left unattended as families travel.
In previous Easter briefings, police highlighted the need for residents to secure homes and business premises before travelling and to remain vigilant in crowded areas, where large gatherings can increase opportunities for crime.
Crime statistics previously released by the Maun Police underline the broader safety concerns in the policing area. Authorities reported nine murder cases in 2023, rising to 17 in 2024, while five cases had already been recorded early in 2025 at the time of the last update. Rape cases stood at 123 in 2023 and 98 in 2024, with 20 cases recorded in the early months of 2025. Defilement cases were reported at 30 in 2023, 26 in 2024 and 27 early in 2025.
Police also noted 30 cases of threats to kill in 2023 and 26 in 2024, with 18 cases recorded early the following year. Assault common cases rose sharply, with 139 recorded in 2024 and 233 cases already registered early in 2025 during the previous reporting period.
Authorities have previously expressed concern about gender-based violence in the Maun policing area, urging the public to report incidents and avoid withdrawing cases, warning that unresolved disputes can escalate into serious violence.
