Botswana Police Number: 999
+267 · Botswana Police Service
The police emergency number in Botswana is 999. Operated by Botswana Police Service. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Botswana Police Service
Botswana · Police
📝 National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Botswana.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Botswana
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 999 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 997 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Botswana law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages - contact BPC
- • Do not use emergency lines for wildlife sightings unless there is an immediate threat
✈️ Travel Notes — Botswana
Emergency response is most reliable in Gaborone and Francistown. Response in rural areas and safari regions may be significantly delayed. Private clinics in Gaborone offer good quality emergency care. Medical evacuation to South Africa may be necessary for serious conditions. Wildlife emergencies in national parks are handled by park rangers.
🛡️ Traveling to Botswana? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Botswana — Complete Guide
When traveling to Botswana or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Botswana is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Botswana is 999, which is operated and monitored by Botswana Police Service. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Botswana.
How to Dial 999 in Botswana
To reach the Botswana Police Service in Botswana, dial 999 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone has no SIM card inserted or if the SIM card is locked. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Botswana using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 999 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Botswana from an international location, the country calling code is +267.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Botswana communicate primarily in en, tn. If you do not speak en, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 999
When you call the police number in Botswana, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Botswana Police Service. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Botswana
Please note that Botswana utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (999), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Botswana Police Service (999), Emergency Medical Service (997), Fire and Rescue Service (998). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Botswana and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 999 is verified against official directories published by Botswana Police Service. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Botswana
What is the Police number in Botswana? ▼
The Police emergency number in Botswana is 999. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Botswana.
Does 999 work from mobile in Botswana? ▼
Yes, 999 works from all mobile phones in Botswana.
Can I call 999 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 999 without a SIM card in Botswana.
Is calling 999 free in Botswana? ▼
Yes, calling 999 is free in Botswana. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Botswana? ▼
The Police service in Botswana is operated by Botswana Police Service. Source: https://www.police.gov.bw/
Can I call 999 from a mobile phone without credit in Botswana? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 997, 998, and 999 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Do emergency operators speak English in Botswana? ▼
Yes. English is an official language of Botswana and emergency operators communicate in both English and Tswana.
What should I do in a wildlife emergency in Botswana? ▼
If you encounter dangerous wildlife, remain calm and do not run. In safari areas, follow your guide's instructions. For wildlife emergencies in national parks, contact park rangers through your lodge or call 999.
Are emergency services available in the Okavango Delta? ▼
Emergency services in the Okavango Delta are limited. Lodges typically have radio communication and first aid facilities. Medical evacuation by air may be necessary for serious emergencies.