Botswana Police Service would like to appeal to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and observe the various laws of Botswana when celebrating the New Year. The appeal follows some unruly behaviour that was displayed by some members of the public during Christmas holidays in which law enforcement officers were assaulted and obstructed from carrying out their duties. In some instances police vehicles were also damaged by people who were throwing stones at the police. During the past week the police recorded at least five separate incidents in which six police officers were assaulted in the execution of their duties. In one of the incident reported at Bokspits Police Station on Christmas eve, a police officer was assaulted whist on duty by a mob at a wedding ceremony. The officer was attending to a report of noise and nuisance when the incident occurred. In yet another incident reported at Gaborone West Police, an officer was assaulted by one of the revellers attending a party. The officer was responding to a report of noise and nuisance when the incident occurred. Two Police officers stationed at Tshane were also attacked and stabbed with a sharp instrument suspected to be a knife when they were effecting a lawful arrest at Zutshwa on Friday. Other similar incidents were reported at Dikgonnye, Shoshong and Nata. Appropriate actions will be taken against those who will choose to resist arrest by law enforcement officers. Licensed liquor outlets owners and operators are also reminded that the prescribed times for operations will be strictly enforced. Botswana Police Service wishes the nation a peaceful and prosperous 2011.

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