14 Dec 2022

Botswana Police Service (BPS) deputy commissioner (operations), Mr Solomon Mantswe, says the police view child protection as a priority. 

Speaking during launch of a child friendly service centre at Woodhall Police Station in Lobatse on Tuesday, Mr Mantswe promised that the police would continue ensuring that children were protected from abuse.

He pointed out that the increase of child abuse cases in the country was a concern.

Mr Mantswe, therefore, said availability of the centre would provide a conducive environment for child abuse cases to be reported and investigated in Lobatse.

“Children will be able to come to the police station and find a friendly environment to report any case of abuse against them,” said the deputy police commissioner

He said Lobatse child friendly service centre was the fifth since establishment of BPS’ gender and child protection branch. 

Mr Mantswe said the centres were installed with facilities that aided children to report the cases including microphones. 

He added that the centres had standard operation procedures for handling children who reported abuse cases and facilities designed to make children feel calm.

He said BPS would built such centres in more police stations around the country.

“Establishment of these centres is in accordance with the 2004 Convention on the Rights of a Child through which countries proclaimed that the rights of children should be safe-guarded and they should be protected from abuse,” he said.

Mr Mantswe further said a Gender and Child Protection Action Plan 2022-25 would provide guidance on assurance of children’s rights and child friendly justice system.

“Our intention as police is to stop any form of child abuse, whether it is at home, at school or anywhere in the community,” he said.

For his part, Lobatse MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka welcomed the launch of the centre and called on the community to lead from the front by working with the police to fight child abuse. 

Dr Matsheka said concealing of child abuse cases amounted to betrayal of children.

Woodhall Customary Court president, Mr Mpaesele Itumeleng also expressed delight at the launch of the centre, noting that it was a step in the right direction in protection of children's rights.

“It would be easier for children to come forward and report abuse cases. I also urge parents to avoid concealing child abuse incidents happening in the community,” he said. BOPA