04/06/2026
Botswana mourns Former Police Chief Hirschfeld
Botswana Mourns First Motswana Police Commissioner Simon Hirschfeld
BY MAIL REPORTER
Botswana is mourning the death of former Botswana Police Service Commissioner Simon Adolf Hirschfeld, the first Motswana to hold the country's highest policing office and a man widely credited with shaping the modern police service. He was 90 years-old.
Government announced Hirschfeld's passing on Wednesday, describing his death as the end of an era in the history of Botswana's national security institutions.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Government of Botswana, Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa conveyed condolences to Hirschfeld's family, former colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his decades of public service.
"His passing marks the end of an era in the history of our national security institutions," Mohwasa said.
Hirschfeld dedicated nearly four decades of his life to policing. He joined the then Bechuanaland Protectorate Police as a constable on May 1, 1956, before steadily rising through the ranks over a distinguished career spanning 39 years and three months. He retired on July 31, 1995, as Commissioner of the Botswana Police Service.
His career straddled two defining periods in the country's history, colonial administration and the post-independence era. According to government, he played a key role in helping shape Botswana's security institutions during the country's formative years.
In 1971, at the age of 36, Hirschfeld made history when he became the first Motswana appointed Commissioner of Police. The appointment came just five years after Botswana attained independence and marked a significant step in the localisation of leadership within the country's security sector.
For the next 24 years, Hirschfeld led the police service through a period of growth and transformation. Under his stewardship, the organisation expanded, modernised and strengthened its capacity to maintain law and order across the country.
Government said his leadership helped transform the police force into a more professional and nationally representative institution, laying foundations that continue to influence the service today.
Throughout his career, Hirschfeld served in several police stations and departments, including Depot, Security, Francistown, Lobatse, Ramatlabama and Police Headquarters. His progression from constable to commissioner was marked by discipline, professionalism and dedication.
He also invested heavily in professional development, receiving specialised training both locally and abroad. Among his training programmes were studies at the Hendon Police Training School in England, as well as courses in radio operations, policing administration and investigative work.
Hirschfeld's distinguished service earned him numerous honours and awards, including the Botswana Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Service Order, and national commemorative medals marking significant milestones in Botswana's history.
Mohwasa said Hirschfeld would be remembered not only as a senior police officer but also as a pioneer who helped shape the identity of Botswana's policing system.
"As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate a life that contributed significantly to the safety, stability and development of our country," the minister said.
Hirschfeld's story mirrors Botswana's own journey from colonial rule to an independent nation built on professionalism, public service and strong institutions.
Government has extended its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones as the nation reflects on the legacy of one of Botswana's most influential law enforcement leaders.
