Category: Local news

The second phase of Operation Pabalesego, a joint security initiative led by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), aimed at strengthening public safety and combating rising crime in communities was launched on Friday.

The operation, rolled out in Mogoditshane, follows the inaugural phase held last year in Gaborone West. It brings together multiple law enforcement agencies in coordinated patrols, intelligence operations and community engagement activities to enhance national security.

Launching the operation, President Advocate Duma Boko commended members of the security services for their continued dedication under increasingly demanding conditions. “Your commitment is central to maintaining safety and order across Botswana,” he said.

He urged Batswana to support law enforcement efforts and take responsibility for the safety of their families and neighbourhoods. President Boko also condemned the growing cases of gender-based violence (GBV), describing the scourge as a serious threat to families and community cohesion.

“I appeal to the public to promote respect, empathy and non-violence in all relationships, particularly romantic ones,” he said.

Police Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe said Operation Pabalesego II sought to reduce serious and violent crime by increasing police visibility, intensifying intelligence-led patrols and improving collaboration between security agencies. She explained that the operation focused on hotspots known for robberies, break-ins, domestic violence reports, drug abuse and traffic violations.

Commissioner Marathe noted that the first phase of the operation yielded positive results, with a 17 per cent reduction in armed robberies and a 12 per cent decline in burglary cases in Gaborone West over a three-month period. She said the police were confident that similar or better outcomes could be achieved in Mogoditshane and the surrounding areas, particularly as the festive season approached.

She said Operation Pabalesego II also aimed to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen community-police partnerships, by engaging residents, neighbourhood watch groups and local leadership.

 “Our goal is not only to arrest offenders but to restore public confidence and create safer spaces where people can live, work and move freely,” she said.

Commissioner Marathe further highlighted GBV, drug trafficking and youth delinquency as areas of concern. She revealed that BPS recorded over 6,500 GBV-related cases nationwide between January and September this year, with emotional abuse, assault and defilement ranking among the most reported.

 “These numbers are alarming and we are intensifying our efforts to ensure protection for victims while holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.

Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mhwasa thanked President Boko for prioritising public safety, noting that the operation reinforced government’s commitment to preserving peace and order.

Also addressing the event, Youth of Hope Safe Haven founding chairperson, Mr Boyson Mokone cautioned young people against drug abuse, warning that substance dependency continued to tear families apart. He urged men to take responsibility for nurturing the boy child saying neglect often drove young boys into destructive behaviour.

“Men should know they either destroy or build the boy child,” he said, adding that recovery from drug addiction was possible with support and commitment.

Operation Pabalesego II is expected to run throughout the festive season, a period historically associated with spikes in crime and social disorder.  The operation will combine high-visibility patrols, stop-and-search exercises and intelligence-led interventions to ensure safer communities countrywide.

Children have a right to information concerning developments and should be listened to, so that they can enjoy all their rights without fear.

When things are not done right, they should hold the government accountable so that it delivers on its promises. First Lady Ms Kaone Boko said during the Regional World Children’s Day dinner on Friday in Gaborone. She said government was committed to providing timely reports on the progress made.

Ms Boko called on ministries responsible for children’s welfare to turn promises into actions, stressing the need for implementation and policy changes to align with this year’s World Children’s Day theme: My Day, My Rights. From Promise to Action. Restructuring of the Ministry of Education to include child welfare was a positive development, and now it is time for it to deliver on its promises, Ms Boko said. 

Ms Boko highlighted the significance of unity, noting that children learnt from harmonious relationships., making reference to her good rapport with the two former first ladies, Ms Barbra Mogae and Ms Neo Masisi, as well as the Leader of the Opposition’s wife, Ms Dineo Saleshando, who were all present to support a common cause despite belonging to different political parties.

Upon assuming the role of First Lady, Ms Boko said she introduced herself to Ms Mogae, who welcomed her warmly and shared words of wisdom, while Ms Masisi offered valuable pointers. She also mentioned that Ms Saleshando had always been her pillar of strength.

Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka acknowledged that a lot still needed to be done, and called for strengthened collective efforts among stakeholders, to foster a conducive environment for children. Caring for, protecting, and empowering children is a shared responsibility worldwide, Ms Kgafela- Mokoka said.

The Private Sector Forum for Child Rights’ Ms Joy Buno, for her part highlighted the importance of introducing financial literacy into the school curriculum, a development that required no additional funds but policy amendments.

This she said could be made possible with help from businesses, to uplift and empower children. The event was attended by children from Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, eSwatini, Zambia, and Namibia, in celebration of World Children’s Day. 

KGK Academy, the training arm of KGK Diamonds Group Botswana, one of the country’s largest cutting and polishing operations has produced its 2025 cohort of 88 graduates, marking another milestone in Botswana’s drive to build local capacity in the diamond value chain.

The graduates completed a 12-month programme comprising six months of theory and six months of practical assessments, including an attachment within the organisation. Their completion has paved the way for 40 new trainees who are continuing with the Academy.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, praised KGK Diamonds for its commitment to youth skills development and for integrating trained graduates into the labour market. She further commended the company for its sustained contribution to Botswana’s diamond cutting industry, where it employs over 25 percent of the national workforce in the subsector.

“KGK has given beyond diamonds. It is the only company in the industry that has opened a day-care centre within its premises, enabling young mothers to bring their children to work,” Ms Kenewendo said, describing the initiative as a powerful example of inclusivity.

She also highlighted the company’s solar-powered factory, noting that it sets a strong foundation for the growth of a local jewellery manufacturing industry and contributes significantly to socioeconomic development. She affirmed her ministry’s support for initiatives that further local beneficiation.

The Department of Information Services photographer, Godfrey Mpuse has been described as a man of many admirable qualities, unifier, family man and a dependable source of wisdom.

Speaking at Mpuse’s funeral service in Thamaga on Saturday, former president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi described Mpuse as an individual of exceptional character, whose contribution to the nation deserved honour and recognition.

He said it was befitting to have such a gathering when bidding farewell to a unifier.

Dr Masisi noted that Mpuse’s special duty as a presidential photographer required precision and artistic vision, which he executed with precision.

“He even took my last photo in office,” Dr Masisi recalled, adding that he had an eye for detail.

He explained that working as a presidential photographer demanded a unique artistic ability, discipline and commitment.

He thanked Mpuse’s wife, Nametso and his parents for giving the nation a true servant. 

Addressing aspiring photojournalists, Dr Masisi encouraged them to emulate Mpuse’s dedication and hunger for quality, adding that learning from him would guide them to produce excellent work.

Dr Masisi emphasised that photographers played a crucial role in preserving national history, not only through words and writing, but visually. 

Acting Director of the Department of Information Services, Mr Thebeyame Ramoroka said Mpuse joined the public service in 2007 and quickly proved himself as one of Botswana’s most reputable photographers.

He praised Mpuse for delivering world-class photographs that communicated a thousand words, noting that his work ethic often pushed him to go beyond protocol to capture exceptional images.

Mr Ramoroka added that Mpuse was part of a trusted group assigned to high-profile national duties involving elders, where decorum was essential.

“He never faltered in his assignments. His behaviour and dress code were exemplary,” he said.

He highlighted Mpuse’s respectful frankness, saying he spoke his mind with humility.

His passing, he said, dealt a major blow to the department.

Mpuse’s uncle, Mr Bathusi Moarabi, shared that the deceased had recently informed the family of his health challenges, yet remained active in family responsibilities.

Mr Moarabi said Mpuse’s final days included attending a meeting for a family wedding in Hebron.

On his way back, he said he felt sick and had beathing difficulties and was taken to Kanye Adventist Hospital, where he later passed on. 

“We have lost as a community, but we are comforted by the life he lived and the impact he made,” he said.

Family representative, Mr Shimane Dikobe said Mpuse was ‘more than a son-in-law’, describing him as loving, supportive and fatherly to many. 

Friend and caregiver, Mr Thato Mosinyi, who described Mpuse as loyal, courageous and resilient, thanked God for the privilege of walking with him through his final journey.

He recalled attending an assignment at the Office of the President with Mpuse, where he complained of chest pains and breathing difficulties but still displayed his persistent spirit.

Mpuse’s niece, Ms Bonno Mpuse, described him as a unifier who related well with everyone.

Member of Parliament for Thamaga-Kumakwane, Mr Palelo Motaosane said Mpuse’s ability to work with the former president showed his exceptional skill and discipline.

He urged Mpuse’s wife to stay strong and grounded as she continued raising their children. 

North West district is blessed with natural resources, fertile soils and water bodies and yet the resources are under increasing pressure from pollution, deforestation illegal sand mining, among others.

Illegal sand mining from the water bodies particularly rivers compromise the aquatic system, something, which the district leadership is fighting tooth and nail to nub in the bud.

Recently, the district leadership, law enforcement agencies and other local authorities embarked on an operation led by the district commissioner to assess damages caused by illegal sand mining along the Shashe water channel that forms part of the Thamalakane River.

The district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka revealed in an interview that the operation was prompted by the public outcry over the growing incidents of illegal sand mining along the Thamalakane river and other water bodies in the district. He expressed a serious concern that the practice had destroyed the environment and the river altering its natural flow due to deep open pits or trenches that created environmental problems.

Illegal miners, he said had turned the river into a quarry looking at the amount of sand extracted along the river channel starting at Boro area, adding that it seemed perpetrators had ventured into a lucrative business of selling sand.

“We are overwhelmed by reports of illegal sand mining activities in our district, hence we have reignited the fight against the practice due to its severe environmental degradation, economic impact and safety risks. As leadership in collaboration with law enforcement committee we will not give up against environmental degradation,” he added.

Mr Waloka also warned members of the public to refrain from buying illegally mined sand as that exacerbate the criminal activity, saying they should buy from licensed companies.

In the district, he said there were about five licensed companies. 

He also appealed to members of the community to join forces with the law enforcement committee to stop illegal activities and deter perpetrators. 

Residents were urged to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining to local authorities.

Councillor for Thito/Bombadi area, Mr Lerayamang Baswi also expressed worry over illegal sand mining, saying over the years, they had observed harvesting of sand from rivers which had a negative impact on the environment.

Efforts by residents to deter perpetrators, he said were in vain as the practice still persisted, which also presented a hazard for members of the community including livestock.

“The pits are very deep and very dangerous as some people and animals can fall into especially during rainy season. Recently, one of the farmers reported that one of his cattle had fallen into one of the pits,” he added.

Councillor for Shashe/Botshabelo ward, Mr Keakgotswe Bokhutlo stated that illegal sand mining was rife in the area placing an enormous pressure on the environment.

He appreciated efforts by local authorities for conducting the operation saying that was testament that they were equally concerned with the practice. 

“The fight against illegal mining must be seen as a shared national responsibility and it is commendable to see leaders acting collectively towards the course,” he added. 

The newly launched IFFCO NANO fertilizers range will broaden the horizon and ensure that the quality and content of our local produce is of high quality, said President Advocate Duma Boko. 

The fertilizers are produced by a local manufacturing Lone Trends in partnership with Indian fertilizers farmers cooperatives, IFFCO and Nardi, enhance nutrient availability and efficiency and are also environmentally friendly. 

President Boko who officially launched the IFFCO NANO fertilizers range in Sebele today said there was a need to step away from the traditional methods of agriculture such as relying on rain fed crops because of the unpredictable forces of nature which make it close to impossible to grow satisfactory crops. 

“We are now bringing forward technology to break the insular and vanguard ways of production,” he said.

For his part Research Scientist at NARDI, Mr Ofentse Sithole, said the product is designed to deliver nutrients more efficiently at the molecular level, ensuring that crops absorb a greater percentage of the fertiliser applied.

Mr Sithole said Nano fertilisers contain highly concentrated nutrients engineered into tiny particles that plants can take up more easily, reducing wastage and improving soil health. 

He added that the technology supports sustainable farming by minimising the environmental impact often caused by over-application of conventional fertilisers.

He urged Batswana farmers to embrace organic and Nano-based fertilisers, saying they guarantee higher-quality produce, improved yields and better long-term soil fertility. 

He emphasized that the shift to modern, environmentally friendly inputs was essential for the country to improve food security and compete in regional agricultural markets.