24 Sep 2013

A Botswana Defence Force (BDF) chaplain, Captain Moletasaka Moletasaka has urged police officers to go for Safe Male Circumcision (SMC).

Speaking at the north division police prayer against social ills in Francistown on Friday, Captain Moletasaka said SMC did not only improve personal hygiene but also reduced chances of contracting HIV. He explained that the fore skin provided place for dirt and once it was removed, the manhood was easily cleaned hence promoting hygiene.

Captain Moletasaka said another benefit of SMC was that it reduced chances of getting HIV by 60 per cent. The BDF chaplain said the foreskin was vulnerable to injuries, particularly during intercourse and by removing it, the chances of injuries were eliminated. He, however, said circumcision should not be perceived as a license to have Multiple Concurrent Partners (MCPs).

Captain Moletasaka said men of all ages, including the married should go for circumcision and he implored women to encourage their partners to go for SMC. Botswana Police Service's Assistant Commissioner Lefhoko Motokwane said having MCPs increased the chances of contracting HIV.

Asst Commissioner Motokwane said God’s plan was for a person to have one partner but because of selfish motives, people ended up having more than one. He encouraged the police to go for voluntary counselling and testing in order to know their status and act accordingly. On the challenges faced by the nation, Asst Commissioner Motokwane implored the nation to look up to God for answers.

Senior Superintendent Chabaesele Mazebedi said the event was aimed at increasing demand for SMC, to promote a committed workforce for zero new infections through prayers and to increase demand for voluntary counseling and testing of HIV.

Superintendent Bontlogetse Motshwane applauded the Police Commissioner for allowing officers to conduct prayers. She also appreciated the organization for the provision of counseling services as there cannot be productivity in any institution if souls are troubled.  ENDS