The British High Commissioner to Botswana and the United Kingdom (UK) Special Representative to SADC, His Excellency Giles Enticknap, paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Dinah Marathe, at the Botswana Police Service (BPS) Headquarters today, April 8, 2025.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, Commissioner Marathe acknowledged the longstanding support Botswana has received from the UK in strengthening law enforcement. She highlighted key contributions, including:
- Training of BPS leadership at the Bramshill Staff College (now College of Policing).
- Accreditation of the BPS Pre-Service Training through the University of Portsmouth.
- Donation of video/audio recording equipment to Child-Friendly Centres via the UK’s National Crime Agency.
- Review of BPS’s Performance Management System, which has improved policing operations.
- Funding a 2023 benchmarking exercise on child protection issues.
Commissioner Marathe also provided an update on Botswana’s crime situation, stating that while crime remains relatively manageable, there are isolated incidents of street robberies and home invasions that cause concern among communities. She raised particular alarm over violent crimes such as rape and murder, many of which are linked to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse.
To address these challenges, the Gender and Child Protection Branch was established in 2021, leading to the creation of eight Child-Friendly Centres across the country to support victims of child abuse. The Commissioner appealed for technical assistance from the UK in investigating cybercrime, commercial crimes like money laundering, human trafficking, and online child exploitation. She also requested further support in setting up a One-Stop Centre and additional Child-Friendly Centres to aid victims of abuse.
His Excellency Enticknap commended the BPS for its efforts in maintaining public safety and security, which also extends to the diplomatic community. He acknowledged that Botswana’s relatively low crime levels play a crucial role in fostering economic growth.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas such as combating human trafficking, cybercrime, and GBV. He also praised the strong bilateral relations between Botswana and the UK, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration in law enforcement.
Accompanying the High Commissioner was Mr. Bakang Ntshingane, Head of Policy and Programmes, who echoed the UK’s commitment to supporting Botswana’s policing efforts.
