President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko officially inaugurated a two-day National Conference on Crime Prevention, organized by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC). The conference, held under the theme “Forging Collaborative Pathways Towards Safer Communities,” aims to address the increasing levels of crime and violence across the country through coordinated efforts.
In his keynote address, President Boko emphasized the necessity of inter-agency collaboration, particularly between the police and the defense forces, as a fundamental strategy for effective crime prevention. He stressed that crime is not just a law enforcement issue but a societal challenge that requires a unified response from all sectors, including law enforcement agencies, social services, and civil society organizations.
A major highlight of the President’s speech was his strong stance on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which he described as one of the most urgent and pressing challenges facing Botswana. He called for innovative and urgent solutions to address GBV, emphasizing that it undermines the core values of the nation and must be eradicated through collective action.
President Boko also proposed a more inclusive approach to crime prevention by involving traditional leaders, such as Baruti (elders) and traditional healers, in efforts to detect and prevent crime. He noted that these community figures, with their deep-rooted influence and understanding of societal dynamics, could serve as early warning systems and valuable allies in the fight against criminal activities.
The conference brings together key stakeholders, including policymakers, security experts, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations, to explore sustainable solutions to crime prevention. Sessions will focus on critical issues such as cybercrime, youth involvement in crime, and community-led safety initiatives.
The deliberations from this conference are expected to shape future crime prevention policies and enhance Botswana’s security landscape through collaborative strategies and proactive measures.
