- ramp up security and road safety operations
- promise visibility through patrols across major transit corridors, entertainment hotspots, and public spaces
- urge members of the public to prioritise safety
The Botswana Police Service is stepping up security and road safety operations across the country ahead of the Independence holiday, in anticipation of a surge in movement of people expected which places additional pressure on roads, entertainment areas and other public spaces.
In the Maun policing area, acting Station Commander Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng said police visibility would be intensified throughout, with officers deployed on foot and through patrols in high-traffic areas and entertainment hotspots.
He assured residents and visitors that police presence “will be felt all around Maun” as law enforcement officers work to prevent crime and maintain order during the holiday period.
Ikobeng urged motorists travelling to and from Maun to exercise caution and strictly observe road traffic regulations, noting that the Independence holiday traditionally brings increased movement across the country.
He also appealed to members of the public engaging in water-based recreational activities to prioritise their safety, particularly by wearing life jackets during boat rides and other excursions.
The police have also been conducting pre-holiday educational campaigns in churches and communities, focusing on road safety and responsible behaviour.
The renewed road safety warnings come against the backdrop of fatalities and traffic offences recorded during the previous Independence holiday period.
According to figures contained in the Botswana Police Service 2025 annual report, 22 people lost their lives during the extended Independence holiday period from September 26 to October 2, 2025. Of these, 14 died in road traffic accidents, while eight deaths were attributed to violent crime.
Road fatalities increased slightly from 13 in the previous comparable period to 14 in 2025.
One of the most serious crashes occurred at Artesia along the A1 highway, where a head-on collision claimed six lives, including two sedan occupants and four church members travelling in a combi. The police report also recorded a sharp increase in minor road traffic injuries, which rose from 18 to 37 cases.
BPS attributed many of the road crashes to human factors, including excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, using mobile phones while driving and failure to obey traffic signals.
Ikobeng therefore urged motorists to remain vigilant throughout the holiday, particularly as increased traffic is expected on major routes.
Ghanzi Police Station Commander Superintendent Moilwa George echoed the road safety concerns, urging people travelling to and from Ghanzi and their respective home villages to exercise greater caution.
He noted that large numbers of people were expected to travel during the holiday, increasing movement between Ghanzi and surrounding villages.
In Sehithwa, Police Station Commander Superintendent Molly Lebala-Moduke said police presence would similarly be intensified on roads and in areas within and surrounding the village.
She said the increased police presence was intended to help avert crime during the holiday period.
Gumare Police, Station Commander Superintendent Chenamo Orateng shared similar sentiments while also sharing they will also be on patrols and educate the public on how to keep themselves safe during the holidays.
Orateng also advised that those that are driving should not do it under the influence of intoxicating subsatances, rest if traveling long distances and abide by road laws.
According to The Botswana Police Annual Report 2025, figures show that nationally the Independence holiday period recorded an overall 9 percent increase in reported crime compared with the previous year. Breaking into motor vehicles increased by 20 percent, while armed robberies rose by 67 percent.
At the same time, housebreaking and theft cases declined by 18 percent, with police attributing the reduction in part to community policing patrols. Violent crime also remained a concern, with eight deaths recorded during the 2025 holiday period, including two linked to gender-based violence.
Police recorded 28 cases of rape and attempted rape, compared with 32 during the previous period, while 18 cases of defilement were reported. There were also seven reported cases of child negligence, six of which were classified as GBV-related.
With large numbers of residents and visitors expected to travel again this year, police are urging the public to remain vigilant, secure their homes and businesses before travelling, and exercise caution in crowded areas and during recreational activities.
