23 May 2018

Ntlo Ya Dikgosi has learnt that defilement and abuse of children remain serious concerns that need a multi sectoral response by all role players including Bogosi.

Responding to a question from Kgosi Maruje III of Masunga, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso informed Dikgosi that the ministry continued to appeal to society in general to collaborate meaningfully to ensure the trend was reversed.

She said during the past five years, the Botswana Police recorded cases of defilement of persons under the age of 16 as follows: 2013 (530) 2014 (531) 2015 (543) 2016 (617) 2017 (572).

Ms Tshireletso further stated that a study was needed to deeper understand the social problems, adding that for now, the ministry had not undertaken any.

She said currently, there was also no comprehensive family policy, but noted that there was the Children’s Act.

She however, said the act only makes provision for the custody and care of children, for the appointment of Commissioner Of Child Welfare and for the establishment of children and juvenile courts.

“For now this is the basic piece of legislation that governs the upbringing and societal responsibility of children and young people,” she said.

Kgosi Maruje III  had who wanted the minister to explain the cause of this behavioural problem.

He also wanted to know if the ministry had undertaken a study to understand deeper issues surrounding the matter, besides increasing the age of consent.

Kgosi Maruje III had also asked how the absence of a comprehensive family policy/act impacts on children’s upbringing, societal responsibility and parenting. ENDS