The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Honorable Dikgakgamatso Seretse has called Private Security companies to work in partnership with the police in order to reduce incidences of theft and break-ins where their guards are deployed.

Addressing the second Private Security Companies Pitso meeting organized by the Ministry recently, Hon Seretse said Private Security Companies must appreciate their contribution in broader national strategic term and beyond their individual business interests. He further said when developing policing strategies to make Batswana feel safe, they left out some important stakeholders like Private Security companies. However he said it was pertinent to address the service providers about policing of the public space and the cluster policing initiative. 

The minister said Private Security companies as a private space policing structure can significantly contribute to crime reduction by participating in the cluster policing initiative. Furthermore he said security companies should not only participate but lead in cluster policing in the areas they are protecting.

Hon Seretse urged Private Security companies to renew their licenses well before the expiry date so as not to put pressure on the licensing authorities.

For his part the commissioner of police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe said the police through its cluster and neighbourhood committees have been working with security companies, especially during holidays to patrol the areas they are policing. He also said the collaboration has born positive results in that where such practices were engaged there were few incidences of crime.