The levels of crime involving the use of illegal handguns pose serious concern to the government and the community at large. This is indeed a challenge to all law enforcement agencies to further examine and fully coordinate their operational endeavors to address the illegal possession of hand guns in the country. The key challenge is the ease with which potential criminals can acquire these prohibited weapons.

Crime trends and statistics in Botswana reveal that illegal handguns (revolvers, pistols and AK 47) play a major role in perpetuating violent and intrusive crime on chain stores, shops, security companies conveying money, motor vehicle owners, residential homes, government offices etc. Though there are a few incidences that involve legally registered firearms due to lack of prudence in the management of arms in the possession of private owners, these are the primary tools that exacerbate violence related crime, especially armed robberies

The big challenge lies on how to redress the proliferation and the escalation of violent and intrusive crime to enable Botswana to pursue their daily lives in peace and safety; free from undue fear of crime and violence. It is imperative for all crime prevention role players to strive to create a society in which the fundamental rights of the individual are effectively protected with the support and cooperation of fellow citizens. We have a challenge both as law enforcement agencies and the community at large to ensure that Botswana attracts the confidence of investors and interest of tourists. It is a challenge to all of us as we are striving to implement decisions of the task group on the national strategic vision to ensure commitment for safer communities; that all serious and violent crime and the illegal possession of firearms will be eliminated by 2016 (presidential task group 1997).

Our aspirations for a safe and secure nation by 2016 can only be accomplished through an integrated effort of all peace loving citizens of this country meaning departments, NGO’s, private sector and the community at large and thus combating illegal handguns menace through community policing is the convenient and sustainable solution

In order to take the community on board, the police service adopted a Vision that reads; “We the Botswana Police Service are committed to providing a professional law enforcement service for a peaceful, safe and secure nation; in partnership with the community.”

This milestone has generated crucial crime prevention reforms such as community policing which is an approach that recognizes the interdependence and shared responsibility of the police and different agencies in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

The illegal handguns circulating in the wrong hands are in the possession of criminals known to us, our friends, relatives, sons, daughters, illegal immigrants, visitors, parents, etc.

We believe that their concealment can only be unraveled by those who live closest to these people, interact in the community together and are aware of these criminal syndicates’ daily errands. These criminals move around with impunity in possession of these illegal weapons because they have developed confidence that members of the community are not vigilant enough and conscious to report the possession thereof to law enforcement officers. It is therefore very important as responsible citizens to respond to this worsening situation and maximize our participation in crime prevention efforts to confront the proliferation of handguns as early as possible to impact on the escalation of violent and intrusive crime in the country.

It is the considered view of the BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE that intensified police/community partnership to combat the proliferation of illegal possession of handguns will drastically reduce the escalation of violent and intrusive crime in the country.

The Local Government, the community at large, Civil Society, NGOs and Government Departments are exhorted to intensify advocacy against the illegal of firearms through the following initiatives

Every member of the community is free to collaborate with the police to exchange criminal information.

Every person is also at liberty to register as an informant/ informer and provide vital criminal information.

• Register oneself at any police station with a police officer of your choice
• Associate with the officer handling your reports only and arrange to meet at your convenience.
• Be assured that your identity will be ensured.

Informants/informers are rewarded where the police consider it appropriate and depending on the gravity and nature of the crime. This is normally in appreciation of the risks and generous undertaking by the informant when his efforts have assisted the police to successfully investigate the reported crime.

Please register as informants in good numbers. Call the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters at 391 4945. Members of the community are invited to exploit this number fully. Phone in and leave all criminal’s details.

Members of the public are strongly urged to become members of the neighborhood watch committees.

These are found everywhere; towns, cities, cattle posts, villages etc. They enlist the active participation of residents in cooperation with the police to reduce the incidence and fear of crime.

Members are urged to discuss matters relating to the proliferation of handguns when they meet at these gatherings and then exploit the toll free numbers provided above to interact with the police.

The business community is mostly affected by armed robberies; as such through these forums business owners are encouraged to cultivate more information regarding the proliferation of handguns for exchange with the police to control the plight of violent and intrusive crime in the business entities.

On recognizing the rate at which the youth are actively involved in crime, we have initiated collaborations between the police and schools in an attempt to

fight crime affecting the youth. School children are encouraged to join these anti-crime clubs where they can freely discuss the negative impacts of the proliferation of weapons and drugs offences.

The youths are encouraged to note all toll free numbers so that they could be able to interact with the police in case they witness the unlawful possession of handguns by colleagues and other persons.

The police also operate in partnership with security companies to fight the escalating violent and intrusive crime. Security companies often hold meetings with the police to come up with better ways of dealing with crime. Some of the security companies work closely with neighborhood watch forums and conduct patrols together. The companies are implored to note fully all the toll free numbers and encourage their entire membership to exploit the above police initiative to control the handgun menace

Livestock theft has recently reached alarming proportions in the country. There are numerous incidents where the crime of stock theft was accomplished through the use of firearms. We appeal to the general public, particularly members of the anti-stock theft committees to be vigilant in their areas and report to the police any suspicious possession of firearms. The chairpersons are implored to disseminate the toll free numbers to the general public.

In addition, police stations arrange crime prevention seminars, workshops, neighborhood watch and business community meetings where intelligence exchanges on criminal activities are given priority.

These are platforms where everyone gets an opportunity to express him/herself publicly on issues of concern.

Finally, take a bold step by informing the police of any illegal handgun related criminality that you may become aware of.