“The numbers of fatalities are still worrying even though there is a reduction,”
Botswana Police Commissioner, Dinah Marathe has revealed that they realised positive performance indicators with both fatal crashes and fatalities decreasing over the years.
Marathe revealed this during the launch of Operation Pabalesego II in Mogoditshane held under the theme “A Crime-Free Festive Season and Beyond.”
The operation was also simultaneously launched across the five police regions in the country being Maun, Francistown, Palapye, Lobatse and Mogoditshane. According to Marathe, in 2024 road fatalities went down by 12.6% adding that for the period January to date 257 lives were lost as compared to 272 who died in 2024.
Despite these positive achievements, Marathe said they are still worried by the high number of accidents involving pedestrians. She indicated that a significant number of them are knocked when leaving entertainment places or walking beside the road side.
“The numbers of fatalities are still worrying even though there is a reduction,” Marathe lamented.
She urged all drivers to exercise responsibility and caution while behind the steering. Marathe also pleaded with the drivers to respect each other and have some level of tolerance on the roads.
“Let us aim for a joyous and a crime free festive season and usher in 2026 in style in such a way all we will return save, that the country will not record a single fatal crash, not record any armed robbery or any murder.”
Marathe also made an appeal to the nation that as police officers will be on duty they should show them some level of appreciation noting that they can only do exceedingly well with their consent.
For his part, President Duma Boko urged the public to introspect on what is their role in their own safety and those in their surroundings.
“The operation can fail if us as individuals we do not take responsibility in ensuring our own safety.” Boko emphasised that the operation is meant to ensure their safety from crime and road accidents.
The president added, “we need to set ourselves goals to reduce such incidents and ultimately end them.”
Boko highlighted that the operation should bear more results as compared to last year. “If police officers stop you, they are doing so to ensure your safety, please do not fight or quarrel with them, just cooperate,” he urged.
