Batswana, including residents of Molepolole and its periphery thronged the Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday (07/08/10) to join the Botswana Police Service in celebrating its 126 years of existence.
The audience was treated to a range of entertainment including the march past by Botswana Police ceremonial parade, Band display, children’s parade, relay, bicycle race, air display, poem, traditional dance and police choir.
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Seretse Khama Ian Khama, cabinet ministers and other dignitaries such as members of parliament, heads of diplomatic missions, and Bakwena Paramount Chief Kgosi Kgari Sechele III were among invited guests who included the Malawi Police Commissioner Peter Muchito, his wife, delegation and a number of officers from the Royal Swaziland Police.
The celebrations started on Friday (06/08/10) with the awarding of medals to 332 deserving officers by his Excellency President Seretse Khama Ian Khama and the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Dikgakgamatso Ramadeluka at the Special Support Group parade grounds.
This year’s celebrations once again afforded police officers an opportunity to interact with their customers and reflect on policing issues in a more relaxed and joyous atmosphere.
A total of 136 officers received Botswana Police Long Service and Good Conduct, 177 Botswana Police Jubilee Service Medal, 78 Botswana Police Distinguished Service Medal and one (1) awarded Botswana Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was awarded to officers who served in the Botswana Police Service for a continuous 18 years with good conduct and character, Jubilee Service Medal to officers who served with good character for 25 years, Distinguished Service Medal to officers who have distinguished themselves by their devotion to duty, and Meritorious Service Medal to officers who served for 12 years and have set a high example by conduct and diligence.