Botswana Police service (BPS) celebrates 129th years of existence on Saturday 10th August 2013 at the Lobatse Sports Complex. Gates open at 0700hrs and admission is free.
His Excellency the President Seretse Khana Ian khama will inspect the ceremonial parade by police officers to kick-start the celebrations. Other invited guests are the Lobatse Mayor, Cabinet Ministers, MPs, heads of diplomatic missions, former Presidents, Speaker of the National Assembly and some senior civil servants. Participants will be welcomed with varied entertainment embracing drill display, children’s parade, traditional dance, poem and display by clever dogs.
Botswana Police is celebrated annually to showcase the BPS current services, celebrate success and educate the public on crime prevention. It also meant to interact with stakeholders, society in general, and the international community in a more relaxed manner to discuss issues pertaining to public safety and protection.
It is for the first time that the celebrations are held in Lobatse. Last year they were held at the Molepolole Sport Complex and in the previous years, they were celebrated at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
The Botswana Police Service is one of the oldest among government departments. It was formed in 1884 named Bechuanaland Mounted police when formal policing started with 100 men who were mainly Europeans. A year later in 1885 the name changed to Bechuanaland Border Police when a new force was assembled with 500 men. In 1902 the name changed again to Bechuanaland Protectorate Police when the Bechuanaland section of the British South Africa Police (BSAP) was merged with the Basotho Native Police, something that reduced the number of white non commissioned officers to pave way for localization. In 1966 when Botswana attained independence, the police changed its name to Botswana Police Force and localization was later fast-tracked with the introduction of women police officers in 1971. The name further changed to Botswana Police Service after a number of police reforms that improved policing services and working conditions around 1997.