01 Sep 2025

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo, has directed relevant authorities to immediately investigate an alleged serial defilement case reported in Boseja ward.

The call for action follows a concern raised by a resident during a kgotla meeting on August 29. The resident reported that a man in the area has been sexually abusing school-going children. However, it was noted that some parents have been reluctant to report the allegations, which has potentially allowed the abuser to continue his actions and put other victims at continued risk.

Gender-based violence (GBV) appears to be rampant in the ward, particularly among children. Despite these reports, access to justice for victims remains very limited. The affected children are reportedly underperforming at school, prompting a concerned parent to plead with the minister for intervention to ensure the protection of children in the area.

Minister Chombo expressed disappointment with the situation, saying that all key stakeholders must follow up on the matter. She reiterated that safeguarding minors from sexual exploitation should be a top priority for the authorities.

Highlighting the distress of the affected parent, the minister noted that she had lost hope due to a lack of support and assistance. She urged relevant authorities to act swiftly, investigate the allegations thoroughly, and ensure that justice prevails in this case.

 “Issues of gender based violence have no boundaries and as such we want agile justice system because the delay can cause more impact. GBV calls for all to play a role, from households to community and the nation. We need to break the silence.  When one member of the family experiences GBV, the entire family is affected as some may struggle emotionally," she said. 

The minister called for support system for victims such as legal assistance, counselling and safe havens saying such support system might also help victims to heal or take appropriate action. Currently, Ms Chombo said government was reviewing some polices and explained that were also working with faith-based organisations to fight GBV.

Ms Chombo  called on village leadership to promote peace, healing and respect, adding that they should be seen instilling good morals within the communities. The fight against GBV, she said was about changing a societal pattern, attitudes and by taking action to improve and ensure safety of the victims.

Acting senior gender officer, Ms Boitshepo Kenalemang assured to follow up the alleged  defilement case and urged residents to report issues of child abuse to relevant authorities to protect children. She said Maun police had a Child-Friendly Centre situated between Central Transport Organisation and Maun Prison, which provided a conducive environment mostly for children to report incidents of GBV and urged the community to utilise the centre’s services.

However, she reported that defilement cases were worrisome saying there were eight cases reported from April to June this year. Out of this number, one case involved a child living with  disability. “It is unfortunate as some parents withdraw cases because in most cases perpetrators  provided for the family,” she added. ENDS