Botswana Police in collaboration with Motor Vehicle Fund and Botswana Alcohol Industry Association have embarked on a 60 day campaign on crime and road safety.
Officially launching this initiative dubbed ‘Sixty Days of Action on Crime and Road Safety’ under the theme “towards a safe and secure festive season” the Commissioner of Police, Keabetswe Makgophe, indicated that criminals are most active during the festive season and most road accidents occur during that time as well. “As innocent people plan and budget on spending quality time with their families during the festive season, criminals on the other hand plot on robbing them of their valuable properties and accumulated savings,” he further said.
The Botswana Police and stakeholders will in this year’s campaign put a lot of emphasis on personal security, home security, office and or business security, vehicle security and personal valuables security. Makgophe further made a plea to the different communities to cooperate in enhancing their protection against violent and serious crimes which according to recent statistics decreased to 5.8% for the year 2015 thus far. Statistics further indicate that murder, rape theft of motor vehicles and stock theft have however increased by between 4.6 and 25%.
For his part the Chief Executive Office of the MVA, Cross Kgosidiile expressed immense gratitude for being a part of such an initiative. Kgosodiile further indicated that though efficient in paying claims, the claims are a reflection of loss of lives, injuries, changed lifestyles thus leading to extreme change in people’s lives due to motor vehicle accidents. He said it could be so extreme especially if the accident hinders the ability of the victim to continue providing for their family. Kgosidiile was of the view that this is a commendable initiative and that if it is well articulated; it would go a long way in reducing road accidents in future.
In his remarks, the Director of Botswana Alcohol Industry Association, Jacob Sesinyi also cemented the view that alcohol use plays a significant role in the cause of road accidents. Sesinyi stated that his organisation has set aside P300 000 to embark on a nationwide public education campaign, teaching Batswana on the effects of drinking and driving.
The 60 day campaign will run from today, November 1st, until December 31st which is when people will be winding down their festive season activities and returning back to their normal daily routine. During this campaign the police will have zero tolerance for road rules violators and payment of fines will be expected to be paid immediately or they will not hesitate to impound their vehicles.
