Keabetswe Makgophe

Keabetswe Makgophe is the former commissioner of Botswana Police Services. Quotes “We are not going to deny people to exercise (sic) their right to demonstrate if they are not happy with something. All we request is that let us respect the laws of the country.  No amount of disagreement justifies damage to property,” “These demonstrations started two weeks ago, and we were monitoring them but we never arrested or assaulted anyone,” “None of the media houses is (sic) talking about the damage to property, all you are talking about is police brutality. Let’s try to balance issues… when there is damage to property, we have a statutory obligation as the Botswana Police to intervene   and bring to book those who cause damage,” “If there is evidence to suggest that we went overboard, action will be taken,” Police deny brutality on student protestors 2 March 2017 "It is hereby announced to the general public that the Botswana Police Service has concluded investigations into the veracity of these allegations and found that they are devoid of any truth. The utterances were about an alleged hit list containing names of the leadership of the UDC. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to allay any fear or anxiety that could have been created by these allegations," Makgophe threatens media over hit list 15 May 2014 “The same Constitution also talks about your right to other people,” “the police are thin on the ground.” “in all fairness we have been generous in issuing permits to youth and political parties. You can check with them. We have issued as many permits as possible.” “There could be different interpretations –  it is either you are hard on your officers or you are heading a lawless unit because looking at the statistics one can saying you are dismissing one officer per a week.” PAC puts Police brutality under spotlight 15 June 2017 “I have taken over leadership of police service at a time when crime still remains a serious challenge,” “We will adopt zero tolerance to crime; if we can deal with the so-called minor offenses this will prevent major offences from happening,” “This is a complex form of crime perpetuated by sophisticated criminal syndicates across borders,” “I will intensify war against crimes, especially those that are violent and intrusive in nature, such as murder, robbery, rape and break-ins,” “The business community is targeted and is likely to scare away potential investors,” “This excuse cannot hold water any more, especially in areas where there are two or more police stations,” “I do not belong to any political party, am not a politician and my appointment as the Commissioner is not even based on political affiliations,” New Police Commissioner promises crackdown on crime 20 August 2012