06 Dec 2020

The Commissioner of Botswana Police Mr Keabetswe Makgophe has condemned gender-based violence (GBV), saying it was a threat to national security and safety.

Speaking during the official handover of a donated house in Letlhakeng on December 3, Mr Makgophe said the police service was extremely worried by the increasing abuse and perpetuation of violence on women and children.

He said the police continued to receive reports on a daily basis in which women and children were abused, threatened, raped, defiled and even murdered by male partners, relatives and acquaintances. 

He added that Kweneng District had been hard hit by GBV cases recently and needed prayers for God’s intervention.

The commissioner said as Botswana intensified the war against GBV, BPS continued to strengthen collaboration with critical partners in its intervention efforts.

“Among others, the organisation has introduced a child-friendly rooms for GBV victims, launched a dedicated toll free number (0800 600 144) and embarked on public education campaigns such as Pitso Ya Borre, which was launched by the First Lady Ms Neo Masisi in Molepolole last year.” Mr Makgophe therefore urged all to join the fight and end GBV by reporting all GBV cases for investigation and reporting. He said the police would   no longer allow anyone to report a GBV case and later withdraw it, as some led to serious bodily harm and sometimes death afterwards. 

He emphasised the need to allow the prosecution to be carried out and culprits brought to book for the fight against GBV to be won.

Mr Makgophe said it was disheartening to receive a report where a four-year-old child was raped by a 27 or 60-year-old man and painful still, an 87-year-old woman being raped by an 18-year- old. 

He said these were the cases that the police had to deal with on a daily basis and said it affected them as well. He implored parents to ensure they perform their parental duties and in raising their children to be better citizens.

The commissioner said Botswana was well known as a peaceful, democractic and stable country, but the increasing GBV cases would tarnish the ‘good name of the beloved country’.

In other matters, the commissioner cautioned Batswana to secure their homes as the festive season approached, given that the country experienced a notable increase in most crimes and road traffic accidents, including road fatalities during the period. “To this end, the BPS in collaboration with key stakeholders, has embarked on a national operation dubbed 60 Days of Action on Crime and Road Safety with a view to ensuring a safe and secure festive season for all Batswana.”

Mr Makgophe said during this period, they would heighten their enforcement efforts and target potential victims of crime to  sensitise them as well as offer tips on personal safety and security. Ends