Also known as: BDF
Botswana's armed forces, appearing in coverage of national security, infrastructure projects, sports competitions, and institutional modernisation.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
Daily News Botswana
… But while the brutal cross-border raid sparked panic among residents fleeing into the night, it was the calculated and disciplined restraint of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in the hours that followed that ultimately prevented a full-scale war. …
Twenty minutes that changed Gaborone in 1985Weekend Post
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. …
Ex-soldiers threaten major protests over delayed pensionsDaily News Botswana
… 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). …
Hirschfeld laid to restMmegi
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 …
Pilane seeks State protectionWeekend Post
… 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 …
Ex-DCEC Chief files suit against Gov’t over demotion, death threatsDaily News Botswana
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. …
BDF SetS Course For Modern And Agile FutureThe Botswana Gazette
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 …
Boko Warns BDF Against GBV, FemicideMmegi
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 …
A labour of love: How Mephato are helping fight FMDDaily News Botswana
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. …
Boko Calls for Modern and Disciplined ForceDaily News Botswana
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. …
Embrace innovation against emerging security threatsA whistle-blower report presented to the Public Accounts Committee on Defence and Finance has exposed that the C-130 aircraft transferred to the Botswana Defence Force represent a lifecycle commitment rather than a straightforward donation, potentially creating a multi-billion Pula financial obligation for Botswana.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
A whistle-blower report presented to the Public Accounts Committee on Defence and Finance has exposed that the C-130 aircraft transferred to the Botswana Defence Force represent a lifecycle commitment rather than a straightforward donation, potentially creating a multi-billion Pula financial obligation for Botswana.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
A 350-kilometre veterinary cordon fence being constructed from Ramotswa to Werda to contain Foot and Mouth Disease is on track following its June 27 launch. The National Disaster Management Office director reported considerable progress and confirmed the Botswana Prisons Service and Defence Force will provide additional manpower to support the project.
11 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The BDF men's basketball team is preparing to advance to a tournament after the women's side did not qualify. Coach Tebogo Makačana said the men have a responsibility to compensate for the women's performance and that the team finished preparations ready to compete.
3 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Police IX Ladies Softball Club secured qualification for the Selibe Phikwe Softball Extravaganza after surviving elimination matches at the National Diamond Grounds, edging rivals BDF and keeping their title defence alive.
1 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The inaugural BDF Open Karate Championship and a competing tournament called 'Ngwana wa Mo Africa' took place at the same time, revealing ongoing divisions within Botswana's karate community despite efforts by BDF Commander General Mpho Mophuting to unite the sport.
26 June 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Defence Force-linked SSKB Karate Club won multiple titles at the BDF Karate Open Championships held at the UB Indoor Sports Arena.
24 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Botswana Defence Force has committed to relocating personnel from asbestos structures at Paje and Pandamatenga Base Camps by next year, with full dismantling and disposal targeted for completion within three years. The project is estimated to cost around P41 million and will require engagement of a foreign company, though it was not budgeted for the current financial year due to fiscal challenges.
24 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana Defence Force Commander General Mpho Mophuting, a respected Sensei, has stepped in to address instability affecting the sport after learning of the problems.
23 June 2026 · Mmegi →
At the official opening of the BDF Karate Open Championships at UB Indoor Sports Arena, General Mophuting called for karate leadership to unite across federations and styles, appealing to coaches to revive the sport's founding principles and elevate karate to its former glory.
22 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The Botswana Defence Force Karate Open Championships scheduled for 20 June 2026 aim to bring together karate athletes from across Botswana in a national competition focused on development, discipline, and performance.
17 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
A men's conference in Mokatako village on 11 June brought attention to the issue of women exploiting elderly pensioners, with local leadership and BDF representatives in attendance deciding the village has had enough of the practice.
16 June 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Defence Force, Police Service, and Prisons Service competed in the annual Joint Law Enforcement Games in Francistown on Friday to strengthen collaboration and unity. The BDF won the overall championship, followed by police in second place and prisons in third.
15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
A BOPA reporter reflects on personal memories of the June 14, 1985 South African Defence Force raid on Gaborone, an event that changed Botswana and whose impact still resonates for those who lived through it.
15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
On June 14, 1985, Operation Plecksy—a cross-border raid by the South African Defence Force hunting anti-apartheid activists—killed at least 12 people in Gaborone's Bontleng neighbourhood. The Botswana Defence Force's restrained response in the hours that followed is credited with preventing escalation to full-scale war.
15 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →
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.
9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
8 June 2026 · Mmegi →
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.
2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →
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.
2 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
1 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
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.
1 June 2026 · Mmegi →
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.
26 May 2026 · Mmegi →
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.
25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
16 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
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.
15 May 2026 · Mmegi →
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.
4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →