In this edition, The Ngami Times embarks on an eight-week Road Safety and Crime Prevention Campaign; – a partnership with Botswana Police that aims to timely raise awareness with the public on the best ways stay safe on the roads and safe from the criminal activities these holidays and beyond.
The main objective of the campaign is to ensure high impact and reach that would culminate in the reduced road traffic accidents and crime statistics. Through its various platforms The Ngami Times will amplify awareness messages from Botswana Police and Motor Vehicle Accident Fund for wider reach for an informed society that can navigate road accidents and crime.
During the course of this campaign, the Botswana Police will provide the relevant content on a weekly basis, on different hotspot topics: delving into issues of violent crimes – robbery, gender-based violence, rape, murder and armed robberies and stock theft among others.
Similarly, the Road safety campaign will carry police messaging on areas of vehicle road worthiness, fitness of motorists, over speeding, drunken driving, safe use of the vehicles and roads, safe use of the road by other users that include pedestrians, cyclists, donkey carts, non-motorized vehicles. These are common causes of fatal crashes and accidents in general during the peak of travel.
With the festive mood burgeoning, travel becomes imminent! The excitement for travel to different locations for holidays leads to increased traffic on the roads. With increased vehicle numbers on the roads – patience wears thin with drivers who end up speeding, driving with disregard for road signage and markings – leading to accidents that claim lives. This platform seeks to share such messages that would empower motorists and other road users to stay safe, from accidents and arrive alive to enjoy the holidays and make it back the same way.
While the message on road safety and crime prevention traditionally seems to be more pronounced during holidays due to the increased appetite for travel and festivities around this period – it is equally important that the messaging goes beyond.
In the same vein, The Ngami Times will engage with other stakeholders, besides just the Police and Motor Vehicle Fund as well as various sponsors of the campaign, to amplify these messaging for the benefit of the community. Community leaders, community organisations, tribal leaders, the church and the public at large have a greater role to play in the fight against both crime and road carnage.
In fact, it is within these communities that criminals live, and equally the same society that harbours bad drivers; unlicensed, those who drive under the influence of alcohol, who drive vehicles that are not road worthy reside and reckless on the roads.
Following the launch of Operation Pabalesego II, by the Botswana Police and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) – the two organs have prioritised public education above all in their endeavour. This is done with the understanding that the operation’s success in achieving its objective heavily relies on the public buy in and participation in policing criminal activities and road traffic transgressions.
The Ngami Times through this campaign, adds yet another avenue of information sharing for the benefit of the readers with an amplified reach. This, with the believe that an informed society becomes a safer society – and the end goal would be to realise a drastic reduction in road traffic accidents and crime during the festive and beyond.
In her remarks during the launch of Operation Pabalesego recently, Botswana Police Commissioner, Diana Marathe noted: “The festive season is highly interactive and busy period characterised by a myriad of activities including long travels, social entertainment, religious festivities, and family celebrations. We have also over the years observed a recurring trend of increased incidents of certain crimes especially those bearing violence during this period.”
Marathe urged all to exercise responsibility and restraint as well as invite God’s mercy, protection and guidance throughout this period and beyond.
Look out for next segment on Road Safety and Crime Prevention Segments in the next edition of The Ngami Times.
