BPS Day 2024

Saturday August 3, 2024, saw the Botswana Police Service celebrate 140 years of existence in style at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

The current BPS traces its origins back to the formation of the Bechuanaland Mounted Police in 1884 (the year before Bechuanaland became a Protectorate), going through various iterations and name changes before finally adopting the current moniker in 2009.

This year’s annual celebration started with the arrival of the President and a flypast by the BPS Air Wing, which was formed in 2007.

There then followed a long parade that involved much marching to music and at least two rousing renditions of the national anthem, much to the enjoyment of the near capacity crowd

This was followed by a dog handling display, where a range of dogs showed off their talents, going through various obstacle courses before being let loose on a mechanical hair - giving them a chance to demonstrate their speed.

The Police Choir and a traditional poet then entertained the honoured guests.

The police horse unit then put on a spirited display, with their stocky mounts being surprisingly fleet of foot!

Tug of war and an athletics display of 4x100m relay running (something on a national speciality!) was followed by more marching band music - this time supported, for reasons that weren’t entirely clear to your correspondent, by a pair of horses and a cow!

A large number of school children from local primary schools then gave their own fitness display, including some impressive martial arts.

It was then back to adult fitness and a really impressive display of strength involving 120kg poles, self defence exercises, and an amazing display of jumping under, over, and through fire!

Police motorbikes are a common sight on the roads of Botswana and the skill of their riders was apparent in a really polished display that emphasized both their high and low speed abilities.

Another flypast followed, this time of two Enstrom 480B helicopters, bought as cost effective trainers in 2021, four Airbus Helicopters H125s (AS350Bs), and a King Air. The latter was something of a surprise and carried the registration BPS-25.

The finale was a tactical demonstration recreating an armed raid on a petrol station. The would-be thieves were initially chased by unarmed police who quickly received assistance from a Special Support Group section. Just in case this was not enough, a SWAT team was delivered by helicopter directly to the stadium.

And so came to an end another very pleasant BPS Day, enjoyed by a warm and friendly crowd. We are looking forward to the 2025 edition!

For the rest of the photos from the day see - https://www.flickr.com/photos/119086573@N02/albums/72177720319027331/