14 Jul 2025

The Child Friendly Centre in Maun has registered 386 cases since it opened its doors October 2023.

Out of the stated number, 20 are before court and 43 are closed cases

The centre exists to create a conducive environment mostly for children, to freely report incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) and for victims to access support services.

Speaking in an interview, Maun station commander, Superintendent Joseph Lepodise appreciated members of the community for embracing change and showing commitment to end violence against children.

The statistics, he said were proof that the facility had strengthened the link between the public and police, explaining that people were fully utilising the centre with an aim to ensure professional investigation and safeguarding children’s rights.

Supt Lepodise said the coming into being of the centre had resulted in an increase of individuals, who reported cases involving children voluntarily.

He said some parents forgave perpetrators who committed crime against children, something that defeated police efforts to ensure that children were protected.

“We are happy that the community has welcomed the facility because we see parents coming forth to report cases involving children as victims of GBV and even children feel at ease to report any form of abuse and harmful practices against them,” he added.

The centre is managed by trained, non-uniformed officers and that makes it less intimidating for children.

Defilement is the leading form of abuse reported, followed by child neglect then rape, Supt Lepodise said. ENDS