As Botswana prepares for the Independence holidays, police across the North West and Ghanzi regions are heightening patrols and urging residents to be extra vigilant, warning that crime patterns often change when people travel and homes are left unattended.
In Maun, Acting Station Commander Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng assured residents that police resources are ready for the busy period, with officers and vehicles on standby for swift responses. He encouraged those travelling to drive carefully or use public transport for long distances to reduce road accidents.
“People leaving town should alert neighbours, secure their belongings and, where possible, leave valuable electronics with trusted individuals,” Ikobeng said. He also warned parents not to leave children home alone, noting the potential dangers.
In Ghanzi, Station Commander Superintendent Denis Zilawe highlighted the risk of house break-ins, a crime that often spikes during holidays. He urged residents to form neighborhood watch collaborations or leave someone behind to safeguard property. Patrol teams will be deployed throughout the district and surrounding settlements. Zilawe also cautioned motorists about heavy truck traffic along the Trans-Kalahari Highway.
“Drivers must ensure their vehicles are well maintained. Simple issues like worn-out tyres or overheating can quickly become life-threatening on long stretches of roads,” he said.
In Shakawe, Station Commander Superintendent Ogolotse Tampa said officers are preparing for large crowds expected for the continuation of First Division league soccer matches and the popular Beef Festival.
“We have begun operational planning to ensure public safety and the smooth running of all activities,” he said, noting that foot patrols, roadblocks and mobile units will be in place to manage crowds, traffic and alcohol-related incidents.
Police data show that crime fluctuates with the holiday calendar as of the past Easters, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Public Relations Officer Near Bagali reported that offences against property during Easter 2025 dropped to 92 cases from 109 the previous year. Housebreaking and theft fell from 22 to 13 cases, and break-ins of motor vehicles halved from 39 to 20. Yet robbery, burglary and stock theft recorded slight increases, underscoring how criminals adapt.
While in the same period of Easters, Chobe District has also seen positive results. District No. 7 Officer Commanding Senior Superintendent Meshack Pulenyane credited increased night patrols, visible policing and border deployments for a decline in crime. Even so, Chobe police logged 328 road traffic offences over the Easter period, including 63 speeding cases, 10 incidents of driving without a licence and 19 for failing to wear seat belts.
Despite these efforts, long-term figures show that holiday crime remains a challenge. In Maun alone, 87 burglaries and 147 house break-ins were recorded in 2024. The numbers declined in 2025 but still reached 58 burglaries and 93 house break-ins as of between January and September of this year, showing evidence that vigilance remains essential even as policing strategies evolve.
The statistics paint a picture of a large number of traffic violations, large numbers of House Break ins (occurrences during the day) supported by lower burglaries at night. The trend becomes clear as to why the leaders of Law enforcement give their particular advice.
With the holidays fast approaching all station commanders advise safety and happy holidays for all.
