A decision by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) to outsource part of its vehicle fleet to AVIS Rent A Car has sparked a wave of criticism as citizens questioning the cost, transparency and long-term sustainability of the arrangement.
In a statement, BPS confirmed it has entered into a 12-month pilot partnership with AVIS to supplement transport capacity at Maun and Broadhurst police stations. Under the agreement, AVIS will provide 19 vehicles to Maun and nine to Broadhurst, pending final government logistics clearance.
Police said the move is aimed at addressing “long-standing transport shortages” and improving service delivery. The vehicles, drawn from AVIS’s fleet, will be maintained under the terms of the contract, while BPS noted that its existing vehicles are serviced through Government Fleet Management (GFM) workshops under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
But the announcement has triggered sharp reactions online, with many Facebook users accusing authorities of opting for an expensive short-term fix instead of investing in sustainable solutions.
Some users questioned why government was renting vehicles instead of purchasing them outright. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to buy cars than to rent them? BPS should cut the middleman,” wrote Gasefele Tshekojunior, echoing a widely shared concern about value for money.
Others raised concerns about idle government vehicles reportedly sitting at Central Transport Organisation (CTO) yards across the country. “CTO across Botswana is full of parked vehicles that are not repaired,” wrote Kopass Kopzetto, suggesting the state should prioritise fixing its existing fleet.
There were also concerns about the structure of the “pilot” itself. “Twelve months is not a pilot, it’s a full contract,” argued Elsenor Riskboy, while Opel Berry questioned what would happen once the trial period ends, asking whether there is a long-term fleet strategy in place.
The issue of cost dominated much of the debate. Several users demanded transparency on how much the government would pay AVIS, with one commenter, Moreetsi Malapela, attempting a rough calculation suggesting the deal could run into hundreds of thousands of pula per vehicle annually. “We need to know the cost implications. AVIS won’t give vehicles for free,” added TheServant Modiredi LastPage.
There were also concerns about the structure of the “pilot” itself. “Twelve months is not a pilot, it’s a full contract,” argued Elsenor Riskboy, while Opel Berry questioned what would happen once the trial period ends, asking whether there is a long-term fleet strategy in place.
The partnership has also raised questions about procurement fairness and local economic participation. Some users criticised the decision to contract an international company, arguing that local vehicle owners or businesses should have been considered. “Why not contract ordinary Batswana with vehicles?” asked Joseph William, while Thato Prestilo questioned why “South African companies are getting tenders.”
Historical concerns were also raised. Brains Kwadipane referenced a similar arrangement involving AVIS and the Water Utilities Corporation in the early 2000s that was not renewed, urging authorities to investigate past outcomes before repeating the model. Quoting 18th-century philosopher Edmund Burke, he warned: “Those who do not know history’s mistakes are doomed to repeat them.”
Operational concerns were equally prominent. Mompati Keorapetse questioned whether the rented vehicles would be fitted with police equipment such as sirens and radios, and whether officers would still be liable for damages in accidents. “Police visibility in the community is very important — how will these vehicles be identified?” he asked.
Despite the criticism, a minority of voices supported the initiative, arguing it could provide immediate relief to a strained system. “Helpful for now, but long-term planning is what will matter most,” said Opel Berry, while Ronnie OC suggested renting could avoid the burden of maintaining a permanent fleet.
However, scepticism remains dominant, with some users going as far as alleging potential corruption, though without evidence. Others warned the arrangement could become financially unsustainable if not tightly managed.
BPS has not publicly disclosed the cost of the contract or detailed criteria used to select AVIS, issues that continue to fuel public debate.
The partnership is likely to face closer scrutiny, particularly around procurement processes, cost-effectiveness and whether it delivers the promised improvements in policing services.
