22 Apr 2026

The growing trend of withdrawing gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the name of reconciliation is raising alarm, amid evidence that forgiveness without accountability can place victims at greater risk.

Acting Station Commander of Maun Police Station, Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatse Ikobeng, has warned that some perpetrators returned to inflict more severe harm, including fatal attacks, after cases against them were withdrawn.

He said policing patterns show that withdrawal often removes the only safeguard that could prevent escalation, leaving victims exposed to repeat violence.

Assistant Superintendent Ikobeng explained that many complainants viewed reconciliation as the most humane option, but remained unaware that the justice system provided alternative measures to hold offenders accountable without imposing the harshest penalties.

“Abandoning cases entirely denies victims protection and allows offenders to escape consequences that could otherwise correct behaviour,” he said.

In a separate case before the Maun Magistrate Court on Tuesday, a complainant, Ms One Sikwa, withdrew charges against her former partner after he approached her with his parents seeking forgiveness. She said she feared a conviction would destroy his future.

The matter was dismissed, reflecting a decision rooted in compassion, but one that mirrors a broader pattern in GBV cases.

Presiding Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu cautioned that such outcomes should not be taken lightly, stressing the need for accused persons to reflect on their conduct.

She also urged complainants not to feel ashamed to pursue justice, warning that cases would not always be dismissed and that silence could embolden abuse.

Mr Ikobeng said prevention must begin within families, calling on parents to raise children with values that reject violence, noting that failure to do so, contributed to recurring abuse in adulthood.

He further urged the public to allow the justice system to run its full course, warning that interference through premature reconciliation weakened efforts to curb GBV.

“While reconciliation may appear to restore peace, without structured accountability, it can become a dangerous compromise that sacrifices long-term safety for short-term relief,” he said.

As more cases are withdrawn, the question remains whether forgiveness is truly ending violence, or merely postponing it. ENDS