30 Aug 2015

Magistrate Mogi Paya of Serowe Magistrate Court has advised parents that child maintenance involves both financial support and regular social contact with the child.

Speaking at an occupational health and safety wellness day at Lady Khama recently, the magistrate said child maintenance should be the responsibility of both parents as the Children’s Act states.

She urged parents, particularly men, to participate in their children’s upbringing by supporting them emotionally, physically, psychologically and financially. She further warned women against denying fathers access to their children.

“Regardless of the fact that the father does not financially support the child, it does not mean women should deny them access to see their children. It is the right of the father to have access to their children, and it is the child’s right to see their father,” explained the magistrate.

She further urged parents to think about the best interest of the child before making decisions that affect the child. “A child needs love from both parents. That is why a child who is neglected may end up being involved in immoral behaviour,” she said.

For his part, Sub Inspector Reginah Machelele of Serowe Police Station said alcohol and drug abuse were some of the factors that contribute to parents neglecting their children.

She said finances that parents use to buy alcohol and drugs could be used to take care of the child’s needs.  She said alcohol and drugs drive men into abusing their partners and making the home inhabitable for children.
 

“From January to March 2015, 31 cases of rape and 182 common assault cases were registered in Serowe,” she said. ENDS