“The public responded positively and we are very thankful for that,” he said. Setumo said they were hoping that the public will continue with the good gesture and disciplined approach in ushering the new seasons. He also attributed the low levels of crime to increased police visibility and presence across the City of Francistown reduced crime.

A new batch of twenty four special constables added to multi-force operation including Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Police to curb crime that was threatening to spiral out of control.

‘The newly graduated special constables boosted the patrol team by increasing manpower thus our response capabilities were enhanced,’ he said. Setumo said with more manpower they were able to apportion more officers to populous places and where there were more crime reports.

‘The City centre and Monarch which usually leads in crime rates recorded relatively small number of criminal acts,” he said. For their part residents praised the police performance saying that this was one of the safest festive periods in a long time.

“There were police at every turn and you just felt safe. I think this also demoralized thieves and police should be applauded for a job well done,” Kebonang a resident of Extension told the Northcast. Mpho Oreetseng a Francistown resident said shebeen queens and bar patrons obliged to the stipulated times thus streets were clear.

“Once the streets are clear the police are better able to monitor the movements of criminals,” he said. He said the police were friendly in their approach which he said is in the spirit of community servicing. “We congratulate them for a job well done,” he said.