19 Aug 2014

Principal Magistrate William Modise of Molepolole court says domestic and gender violence threaten to wipe out potential leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking at a crime prevention workshop themed: Gender-based Violence (GBV) at Metsibotlhoko on August 15, Magistrate Modise said over 66 per cent of women in Botswana had had some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime.

He said 62 per cent  of women were victims of intimate partner violence, adding that gender-based violence fostered the spread of HIV/AIDS by limiting one’s ability to negotiate safe sexual practices or even disclose their HIV status. 

He also indicated that the risk of HIV among women who had experienced violence might be up to three times higher than among those who had not. Magistrate Modise urged the workshop participants to share and spread the message of urging people to stop gender-based violence.

“We must learn from each other to combat gender-based violence,” he said. Detective Supritendant Kevin Mookodi urged workshop participants to promote zero tolerance to domestic violence and all forms of violence against women.

He said the objectives of the workshop were, among others, to encourage public and personal intolerance of interpersonal violence and encourage people to report incidents of violence.

Metsibotlhoko Kgosi Mr Bafentse Moatshing said he was worried by the alarming rate of passion killings, adding that it was worrisome for the youth to be involved in such bad habits. 

He said life was precious and no one should take someone’s life.  ENDS