An interesting subsidy has emerged in the government’s fight against armed robbery. The government is providing nationwide police escorts for cash-in-transit vehicles, while commercial banks pay nothing for the service.
The disclosure came in Parliament on Tuesday after questioning by Leepetswe Lesedi, who asked the Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa, on the cost and rationale of the arrangement.
Mohwasa said the escorts were introduced in 2019 after a spate of armed robberies targeting vehicles transporting cash. The measure, he said, was intended as a proactive intervention to secure the movement of money across the country. He said since then, robberies linked to cash-in-transit operations have declined, suggesting the policy has had some deterrent effect.
The only tangible contribution from the industry has come via the Banking Association of Botswana, whose members donated 12 vehicles to the police during the period in which the escorts have been provided. Beyond that, there is no cost-sharing arrangement.
The scheme has however evolved into an awkward partnership. According to the minister, there is no formal agreement between government and private security firms or the banks that ultimately own the cash being transported. As a result, the police service provides escorts at the state’s expense.
The only tangible contribution from the industry has come via the Banking Association of Botswana, whose members donated 12 vehicles to the police during the period in which the escorts have been provided. Beyond that, there is no cost-sharing arrangement.
That leaves taxpayers underwriting a service that primarily protects private assets. Asked how much the operation costs each month, Mohwasa conceded the government does not yet know. The escorts are not handled by a dedicated unit but are folded into normal police duties, making it difficult to isolate the expense
Lesedi also asked whether the government should begin shifting responsibility to private security companies, possibly by strengthening their capacity and allowing them to operate with heavier arms. Mohwasa was cautious. He said there are currently no plans to let private firms take over such operations independently.
