In 1971 he became the commander of the Police Mobile Unit, becoming the first citizen to occupy such a position. When Botswana formed the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) in 1977, Merafhe was selected by President Sir Seretse Khama as its first commander at the rank of Major-General.
In 1971 he took charge of the Police Mobile Unit, making him the first civilian to hold such a position. When Botswana established the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) in 1977, Merafhe was chosen by President Sir Seretse Khama as its first commander at the rank of Major-General.