12/11/2025
PUBLIC ADVISORY
Issued by: Private Investigator’s Office
Subject: Disregard of Private Investigation Submissions by Botswana Police Officers
It has come to attention that certain members of the Botswana Police Service have, on numerous occasions, ignored or dismissed submissions made by licensed Private Investigators (or Whistle-blowers). This conduct is deeply concerning and stands contrary to the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights enshrined in Botswana’s legal framework.
1. Right to Access Private Investigation Services
》Every person in Botswana has the constitutional right to seek private services, including those of a Private Investigator, for purposes of protecting their legal, personal, or business interests.
》This right flows from Section 3 of the Constitution of Botswana, which guarantees protection of the law and the right to personal liberty and security.
》Ignoring evidence or submissions from Private Investigators effectively denies citizens this constitutional protection and undermines the pursuit of truth and justice.
2. Violation of Professional Conduct and Accountability
When police officers ignore, withhold, or dismiss information provided by Private Investigators without due consideration:
》They act in contravention of the Police Act (Cap 21:01), particularly sections mandating impartial investigation and cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
》Such behavior may constitute negligence of duty, a disciplinary offense under the Service Regulations.
》It further breaches the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (UN General Assembly Resolution 34/169), which Botswana is bound to observe through its human rights commitments.
3. Undermining the Justice Process
Private Investigators often gather critical intelligence, witness statements, and evidence that may assist in active investigations or judicial proceedings.
Ignoring such submissions:
》Obstructs justice as defined under Section 122 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes deliberate interference with lawful investigations.
》Erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions and weakens the cooperative link between the police and private security sectors.
4. Advisory to Law Enforcement Officers
All officers are hereby reminded that:
》Private Investigation is a lawful profession operating under the same principles of evidence, confidentiality, and ethical duty that govern policing.
》Submissions from registered Private Investigators must be received, acknowledged, and assessed with fairness and professionalism.
》Any officer found to have deliberately ignored or obstructed such processes may be subject to disciplinary or legal action.
Conclusion
The essence of justice lies in cooperation, transparency, and respect for lawful actors.
The Private Investigator’s Office calls upon the Botswana Police Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the President to ensure that all officers adhere to national and international standards of conduct — guaranteeing that every citizen’s right to private investigation services is respected and protected.
Issued in the interest of justice and accountability.
Private Investigator’s Office
Contact: +267 71 227 346
Division: Raven Intelligence Division – RSS