23 Apr 2026

Beneath the quiet, dusty streets of Kgaphamadi lies a disturbing reality; one marked by rising cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation that are shaking the community.A nine-year-old girl raped. 

An 11-year-old confined under distressing circumstances. A 16-year-old pregnant with her second child. A toddler wandering the streets in search of a caregiver reportedly drinking at a nearby shebeen.

These are not isolated incidents, but part of a growing and largely underreported crisis in the settlement on the outskirts of Gaborone North.

Assistant Superintendent Solomon Makola of the Gaborone North Police Post said official figures do not reflect the true scale of the problem.

“We are investigating disturbing cases of defilement, molestation and other forms of sexual abuse, including incidents involving children as young as seven. This points to a troubling trend within the community,” he said.

Ast Supt Makola said police often rely on secondary sources such as schools, clinics and social workers and in some cases informants, as some parents remain apathetic and conceal incidents from authorities. 

In response, a dedicated Child Protection Officer has been deployed to strengthen intervention efforts in the area.

Detective Mantlenyane Mashiakanyane, a social worker with the Gender and Child Protection Unit has warned residents against complacency, vowing decisive action against offenders.

 “Ke gorogile mo Kgaphamadi.Le tlaa go tlhoka boroko ka ntlha ya me. Ga gona ngwana ope yo o tlaa tlholang a dirisiwa botlhaswa kgotsa a nna motsadi e sa le ngwana. Go fedile!” Her remarks signal a renewed urgency to protect children and ensure justice for victims.

Community stakeholders are also stepping in to support intervention efforts. Moruti Botsy Masisi of God’s True Gospel Church (Kgaphamadi Branch) said the church has offered its premises to bring services closer to residents.

“The police post is about 10 kilometres away, which makes access to services difficult. We are ready to host child protection services here so assistance can reach the community faster,” she said. This community campaign to raise awareness about child molestation and exploitation is bringing together stakeholders from public health, child protection and faith-based organisations.

Event organiser and chairperson of the Austin Abraham Foundation, Mr Austin Abraham, said their mandate is to raise public awareness and provide multi-sectoral support to vulnerable communities.

“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to uplifting communities and promoting social protection by supporting those in need,” he said.

As Kgaphamadi confronts this crisis, authorities and community leaders agree that breaking the silence is critical to ending the abuse.ENDS