13 Dec 2020

 Botswana Police Service commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe says gender- based violence (GBV) remains a national concern.

Highlighting some prevailing challenges that required collective attention in Pilikwe recently, Mr Makgophe expressed concern that the police, received reports of serious abuse, rape, defilement and murder of women daily. 

“In most cases, these cases are committed by men who happen to be a close relative, intimate lover or close acquaintance of the victim. Therefore, we are no longer going to allow any withdrawal of GBV cases after they have been reported,” he said.

Mr Makgophe said this was a worrying phenomenon that called upon all to come together and end the social ill. He said it was the responsibility of all to ensure that all GBV incidents were reported to the police for investigation and subsequent prosecution of offenders.

As the festive season approaches, he said it was largely characterised by a significant increase in violent crimes, robbery, break-ins and stealing, adding that the number of road accidents and resultant fatalities also increased during this period. 

For that reason, he said the police recently embarked on a national operation dubbed: 60 Days of Action on Crime and Road Safety to ensure delivery of a safe and secure festive season, through enhanced law enforcement and strengthened public education.

“As we continue to deliver on our primary mandate of ensuring public safety and security, the community needs to acknowledge the importance of their contribution in the form of remaining vigilant and investing in both personal and property security,” he said.

The commissioner of police expressed concern that Pilikwe experienced cases mostly related to assault and theft. Some of these assaults, he said, were attributed to GBV. Annually, for the past three years, 2017 to 2019, Mr Makgophe said an average of eight cases were recorded in Pilikwe. 

He said up to the end of October 2020, the police recorded 14 such cases, saying the increase was worrisome considering that the national picture presented a general decline in crime, which could easily be attributed to restricted movement due to COVID-19.

The commissioner of police called upon the Pilikwe community and the local police officers to strengthen their collaboration in identifying and tackling local crime challenges confronting the village. He also urged the community to report all crime, including GBV incidents. ends