Military organization that has launched modernization initiatives, addressed gender-based violence concerns, and honored service members at recent medal parades.
Retired members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) are threatening to stage what could become one of the largest demonstrations by former soldiers in the country’s history. …
… Current Police Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe also extolled Hirschfeld’s virtues, saying he demonstrated foresight in guiding the Police Mobile Unit (PMU), the paramilitary unit that later contributed to the establishment of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). …
Pilane made his demands clear, placing personal safety concerns at the centre of his intended legal action against the government and several public officials following his transfer from the corruption unit to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).In a recent notice of intention to su …
… The legal notice, delivered by the law firm Monthe Marumo & Co on May 5, 2026, names several top officials as respondents: the Attorney General, the Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), the Commissioner of Police, and the …
Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Commander, General Mpho Mophuting has unveiled a roadmap aimed at transforming the military into a modern, agile and globally aligned force capable of responding to evolving security threats. …
Rising violence and suicide cases within the BDF prompt Boko to demand restraint, discipline and accountability BONGANI MALUNGA President Duma Boko has issued a stern warning to members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and femicide, cautioni …
With the Department of Veterinary Services and support services such as Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Defence Force, stretched thin across the vast zone, mephato at the village level have taken the frontline of not only defending the border, but also marshalling farmer …
President Advocate Duma Boko has called for a modernised, disciplined and ethically grounded Botswana Defence Force (BDF) capable of responding to rapidly evolving and increasingly complex security threats. …
Embrace innovation, strategic foresight and institutional adaptability as the country confronts increasingly complex security threats amid tightening fiscal conditions, President Advocate Duma told Botswana Defence Force (BDF) leadership. …
President Advocate Duma Boko has called for zero tolerance on gender-based violence (GBV) within the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), urging service members to exercise restraint, discipline and emotional maturity when handling personal conflicts. …
The Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association has authorized a peaceful protest over delayed Transfer Value Enhancement payments and unmet government promises. About 3,500 retired soldiers have received benefits since 2024, but an estimated 2,500 beneficiaries are still waiting.
Why it matters
Retired soldiers' authorised protest over delayed pensions for 2,500 beneficiaries raises pressure on government to honour promises to defence force veterans.
The Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association has authorized a peaceful protest over delayed Transfer Value Enhancement payments and unmet government promises. About 3,500 retired soldiers have received benefits since 2024, but an estimated 2,500 beneficiaries are still waiting.
Simon Hirschfeld, Botswana's first Motswana Police Commissioner who served 39 years in law enforcement and spent 24 years leading the Botswana Police Service, was buried at Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone with a traditional police funeral ceremony.
Pilane, transferred from the corruption unit to the Botswana Defence Force, has issued notice of intention to sue the government and several public officials, claiming authorities failed to investigate threats against him and alleged leakage of confidential information that he says exposed him to danger.
Tshepo Pilane, former Acting Director General of the DCEC, has filed a notice of intention to sue the government, alleging unlawful demotion and failure to investigate death threats. He claims a conspiracy by senior officials during his tenure investigating senior figures, including the former Permanent Secretary to the President and the Director General of the DIS.
Botswana Defence Force Commander General Mpho Mophuting unveiled a strategic roadmap for 2025-2029 aimed at transforming the military into a modern, agile force capable of responding to evolving security threats through modernisation, innovation and continuous learning.
President Duma Boko has issued a stern warning to members of the Botswana Defence Force against gender-based violence and femicide, cautioning that acts of violence stain the army's image and undermine it.
Mephato (community patrols) at the village level are taking a frontline role in fighting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) alongside the Department of Veterinary Services, marshalling farmers to participate in vaccination activities. Mophato wa Mabeleakgomo from Mokatako and Molete villages, formed in 2023 by villagers led by Kgosi Omphitlhetse Manyeneng, have committed to protecting their territory.
At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference, Boko said members of the disciplined forces are trained to protect lives, not take them in non-combat situations, and stressed that lethal force skills should never be used against civilians or intimate partners.
President Duma Boko has called for zero tolerance on gender-based violence within the Botswana Defence Force, urging service members to exercise restraint, discipline and emotional maturity when handling personal conflicts. Speaking at the 21st BDF Strategic Conference, he stressed that emotional and social challenges must never escalate to violence, particularly against women and children, and reminded officers that their specialised training must never be turned against civilians.
President Advocate Duma Boko has called for a modernised, disciplined and ethically grounded Botswana Defence Force capable of responding to evolving security threats including technology, cyber threats, organised crime and non-state actors. He said a comprehensive national security strategy is being developed to strengthen coordination and resilience.
At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone, President Boko urged the Botswana Defence Force leadership to embrace innovation, strategic foresight, and institutional adaptability to address complex security threats including cyber threats, technological disruption, and transnational organised crime amid fiscal constraints.
Former Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has credited the late former President Festus Mogae with playing a crucial role in preserving peace and stability in Lesotho during political unrest following the country's 1998 elections, working through SADC and supporting the Botswana Defence Force's intervention.
Serowe residents cleaned and repaired the village ahead of body viewing ceremonies for the late former president at the main Kgotla, with security and ceremonial arrangements coordinated by the Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Service, and tribal leaders. Kgosi Bakae Khumo said the community is working with the family to give Mogae the respect and dignity he deserves.
More than 500 current and former Botswana Defence Force members were honoured on Thursday during the 49th Medal Awards Parade for outstanding service and conduct. A total of 528 personnel received medals across five categories: 134 with the Duty Code Order, 297 with the Pearl Jubilee Medal, 84 with the Distinguished Service Medal, and 13 with the Foreign Service Medal.