Two porter camps that were recently installed to help fight crime in Block 5 and 6 locations in Gaborone are now fully functional. These satellite police stations provide services such as certifying of documents and recording of cases.
According to the station commander for Gaborone West Police, Superintendent Bonnie Bareki, the installation of the two porter camps was a result of collaboration between the Botswana Police and respective communities whose purpose was to address crime in those areas.
The residents of these policing areas had had serious problems of house breaking, theft common and breaking into motor vehicles, so the rationale behind the establishment of these satellite stations was to bring the services closer to the people thereby allowing victims to report their perpetrators without walking long distances.
Mr Bareki said 15 police officers ranking from one sub inspector, two sergeants, six constables, six special constables and ten volunteers have already been deployed at each of the satellite stations.
Sub Inspector Dimbo Keofethile said block five has so far recorded 12 cases most of which are theft common and breaking into motor vehicle.
One resident of block 5 Mrs Goabaone Mosweunyane said crime seems to have decreased since putting up the satellite stations. She urged her co-residents to trim trees in their yards since criminals use them as their hide-out especially at night.
The police believe the accessibility of policing services through satellite stations will allow the public not to be reluctant to report crime, as response is likely to be quicker.