27 Apr 2026

Legal experts have hailed, as a turning point for justice, the decision by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to block withdrawal of defilement cases in efforts to curb the rising tide of child abuse and protect minors.

Speaking during a recent kgotla consultative meeting in Hukuntsi, organised to provide legal education to the district, Tsabong Legal Aid Botswana branch manager, Ms Cookie Keitebetse, welcomed the decision, saying it was a long-awaited step toward closing the loopholes that had continued to allow perpetrators to evade justice.

Ms Keitebetse noted that the firm stance by the DPP reflected government’s growing commitment to ending the scourge of defilement.

“This move demonstrates that the government does not condone such acts and is determined to bring them to a stop,” she said.

She highlighted that prosecuting the offenders had frequently been frustrated by private settlements.

“Prosecuting perpetrators has often proven difficult, as some negotiate settlements with victims’ families in exchange for money, effectively undermining the efforts of police, social workers and legal practitioners,” she explained.

She added that such exchange of financial compensation for justice had only served to fuel the daily rise in terrifying statistics.

Again, she said despite high-profile awareness campaigns like the E seng Mo Ngwaneng initiative, child abuse figures continued to climb, suggesting that previous interventions lacked the impact now provided by the DPP’s new directive.

“Cases of defilement are terrifying as they continue to rise daily,” she said. To ensure the policy led to successful prosecutions, Ms Keitebetse urged parents to trust the justice system rather than backroom deals.

She emphasised that Legal Aid Botswana provided representation for all children under the age of 18, including those in conflict with the law.

Beyond criminal matters, she said Legal Aid Botswana offered free services to citizens who cannot afford private representation, covering legal education and advice, representation in magistrate courts, high court, industrial court, land tribunal and the Court of Appeal as well as in civil matters such as inheritance, family disputes and universal partnerships.

“Our mandate is to deliver quality legal services to disadvantaged members of society,” she said, noting that while clients undergo a screening process, any citizen, refugee or permanent resident with a meritorious case may qualified for assistance.

She indicated that the demand for the services was reaching a boiling point, adding that while Legal Aid Botswana currently operated out of Tsabong, there was need for permanent presence in Hukuntsi.

She revealed that the organisation was exploring the establishment of a local branch, with interim plans to deploy mobile legal service stations to reach remote areas.

Hukuntsi district commissioner, Ms Veronica Rabakane expressed concern over the local crime statistics. She called on parents to be the first line of defense, saying “these acts cause immense suffering to children and cannot be ignored. Perpetrators must face the full force of the law.”

Showing community support, one Letsepa Ward resident, Ms Nkagisang Kazingi, praised Legal Aid’s professionalism, describing the team as dedicated and accessible. Thus, Ms Kazingi urged the public to stop suffering in silence and make full use of the legal resources available to them. ends