From 18th to 20th November 2024, the Botswana Police Service, through the Botswana Women Police Network (BWPN), participated in the annual Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) operation code-named Basadi XV. The operation, which took place across the member states of the SARPCCO region, aimed to address various crimes while empowering women in law enforcement and enhancing regional cooperation.
Empowering Women in Law Enforcement
Operation Basadi, led by female police officers across SARPCCO, continues to play a vital role in advancing police work within the region. The initiative, one of the resolutions made by regional Police Chiefs, underscores the significance of women in law enforcement. It was designed to empower female officers, promote their skills development, and provide them with opportunities to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts. The ongoing success of Basadi reflects the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the fight against crime and their crucial role in the advancement of policing standards.
BWPN’s participation in this operation highlighted their key role in shaping this initiative and their continuous dedication to enhancing public safety and security, with a special focus on addressing gender-specific challenges in law enforcement.
Focusing on Crime Prevention and Public Safety
This year’s operation concentrated on tackling several key crimes affecting the region, particularly those that disproportionately impact women and children. These included transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, theft of electrical and telecommunication infrastructure, and stock theft.
In Botswana, the BWPN cascaded the operation throughout the country, ensuring that its objectives reached communities nationwide. To achieve these goals, officers participated in strategic actions such as conducting roadblocks targeting illicit drugs, stolen property, wanted criminals, and human traffickers. These measures are essential in disrupting criminal activities and ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups.
Public Education and Business Inspections
In addition to the enforcement actions, the operation included public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence, the protection of children, and other social issues affecting communities. Officers engaged with local residents to highlight key concerns and to provide valuable information about how they can protect themselves and their families from various forms of crime.
Business facilities such as butcheries were also inspected to ensure compliance with relevant statutes. This proactive approach not only helps enforce the law but also strengthens public trust in law enforcement by ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework.
Achievements and Outcomes of Basadi XV
The outcomes of Basadi XV were significant. Through the operation, the Botswana Police Service successfully detected illicit drugs, including dagga and Chelsea cigarettes, which were seized during the operation. Additionally, suspected stolen property was confiscated, and several cases were opened for further investigation.
One of the operation’s key successes was the identification and arrest of illegal immigrants and criminal suspects. These arrests highlight the importance of regional cooperation in tackling transnational crimes, as suspects often move across borders to evade law enforcement.
Moreover, the outreach programs conducted during the operation helped spread crucial knowledge about crime prevention and public safety, particularly focusing on the risks posed to women and children. This public engagement is vital for fostering a more informed and resilient society.
Operation Basadi XV exemplifies the Botswana Police Service’s commitment to combating crime, empowering women in law enforcement, and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. The operation has had a far-reaching impact across the region, strengthening partnerships within SARPCCO member states while also making tangible strides in addressing critical crimes.
The continued success of Basadi underscores the importance of targeted, collaborative efforts in crime prevention and public safety, while also empowering women police officers to take the lead in shaping the future of law enforcement in Southern Africa.
