The Botswana Police Service (BPS) will soon start purchasing its vehicles instead of doing so through the Central Transport Organization as it has been the case.

This was said by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse when addressing Kgotla meetings in Makalamabedi and Moreomaoto villages recently.

In his address, Mr Seretse expressed hope that this new arrangement which commences this financial year will help ease the problem of shortage of transport currently being experienced by the BPS. He said that it will further help police purchase vehicles according to their needs such as choosing transport suitable for the various terrains in their policing areas.

He added that the arrangement will help shorten the process of purchasing new transport and replacing old ones. The Minister further urged police officers to take good care of the vehicles so that they last longer.

Minister Seretse also implored the residents of the two villages to join hands with the police as that is the only way they can both control crime in their communities.

For his part Kgosi Michael Masheto of Moreomaoto thanked government for the introduction of police volunteers saying their presence has brought down crime levels in his village. Kgosi Masheto also expressed concern at the large number of livestock that continue to stray on the roads. He called on the owners to look after their livestock as they cause accidents, some of which result in deaths.

The meetings were attended by the area Member of Parliament, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Thebeyame Tsimako and other senior government officials.