30 Aug 2023

Various law firms have joined the movement to fight against gender based violence (GBV) by offering their services to victims on pro bono basis.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and a way to curb the GBV challenge, the executive secretary of the Law Society of Botswana, Ms Lillian Muzimo, said they found it appropriate to do this as GBV was now ballooning at startling proportions.

Speaking at the Chats Bua Le Nna Foundation Wellness Day in Gaborone on Saturday, Ms Muzimo said the foundation was established in January last year in remembrance of the late Ms Chatapiwa Keakantse.

Ms Keakantse, who worked at Bookbinder Business Law Botswana as a lawyer for seven years, met her tragic demise after she was allegedly shot dead in Extension 12 in Gaborone by Steve Rankwane who was also a senior associate.

According to Ms Muzimo, the foundation’s mandate is to raise awareness around issues of GBV and provide legal support to victims and organisations tackling GBV in Botswana.

“We have identified the need for engagement and coordination with various stakeholders including existing GBV shelters, legal clinics as well as experts on GBV matters who will assist in the fight against this social ill,” she said.

The day was hyped with activities that included 100m, 200m and 400m races, power walk and mixed relays, amongst others. ENDS