15 Oct 2020

The District No. 5 District criminal investigation officer, Superintendent Tommy Kgaogano says the district has registered 117 cases related to Gender Based Violence (GBV) since April to date.

Supt Kgaogano made the remarks at a Pitso ya Borre campaign that targeted men organised by Maun Ministers Fraternal and stakeholders at Chanoga on Wednesday October 14.

He said so far 64 cases of assault in which women were victims were recorded in the district.

The official added that they further registered 13 cases of rape, 26 cases of defilement, four cases of threat to kill, four cases of murder, three cases of child negligence and three cases of incest in the same period. Supt Kgaogano said it was worrisome that Maun was among places with high crime rate in the country similar to Molepolole and Francistown.

He further said as part of their efforts to address GBV, the Botswana Police Service GBV unit was envisaged for 2021.

In his remarks, the North West District officer, Mr Sedikwa Motshipi advised men to learn to speak out when faced with challenges instead of keeping silent and resorting to violence.

Mr Motshipi cautioned men not to marry because of societal pressure and expectations, which he said were some of the contributing factors of GBV as some got married to people they barely knew.

He said inter-generational relationships also contributed to GBV since the couples may have different expectations, thus leading to GBV or divorces.

Maun Ministers Fraternal member, Reverend Terrence Sechele said all people should take responsibility in the fight against GBV and desist from pointing fingers.

Reverend Sechele said even some church members and church leaders were perpetuators of GBV.

He observed that the spirit of lust was also affecting some members of the church and church leaders, resulting in female church members being victims too.

Reverend Sechele said only the Gospel and the fear of the Lord could rectify the situation.

He said proper parenting and guidance could help end GBV.  ENDS