Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Police Service (BPS) officers began specialised training in Gaborone yesterday, focusing on the INTERPOL International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) Database. This five-day programme, facilitated by INTERPOL experts, represents Botswana’s first connection to the system, which is designed to enhance global child protection efforts. The ICSE platform enables law enforcement agencies worldwide to identify victims, track offenders, and link cases across borders using digital evidence. By integrating Botswana into this network, police will gain access to tools that strengthen investigations, improve victim identification, and support prosecutions based on concrete evidence. The training signals a major step in the country’s commitment to combating child sexual exploitation and ensuring justice for vulnerable children.
Opening the programme, Director of Gender and Child Protection Branch, SACP Goitseone Ngono, stressed that the initiative is focused on safeguarding children and securing justice for victims of abuse. Ngono highlighted that this training equips officers with specialised knowledge and skills to respond effectively to complex cases of child exploitation. Participants were reminded that protecting children requires vigilance, dedication, and an understanding of both local and international law enforcement procedures. The programme also emphasises collaboration, as the ICSE Database allows Botswana to work in tandem with police services worldwide. Ngono encouraged officers to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve case outcomes and provide timely assistance to victims.
INTERPOL facilitator Ms Samantha Chanetsa urged participants to approach the training with full commitment, stressing that each case recorded on the ICSE Database represents a real child in need of protection. Chanetsa explained that digital evidence plays a critical role in tracking offenders and preventing further abuse. She noted that the platform provides tools to connect seemingly unrelated cases, which is crucial in identifying cross-border networks involved in child sexual exploitation. Participants were also trained on ethical handling of sensitive information, ensuring victim privacy and safeguarding investigative integrity. Chanetsa emphasised that effective use of the system requires continuous learning and proactive engagement with international counterparts.
Director of Criminal Investigations Department, SACP Victor Mabina, highlighted that the ICSE Database will significantly strengthen Botswana’s investigative capacity. Mabina explained that the system helps uncover unreported cases, provides analytical insights, and supports evidence-based prosecutions. He noted that law enforcement agencies often encounter challenges in tracking offenders who operate across borders, and access to a global database addresses this gap. Mabina encouraged officers to leverage the platform to improve detection rates and build stronger cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny. He also stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration within the BPS to maximise the database’s impact on child protection efforts.
The training is conducted under INTERPOL General Assembly Resolution 5/2022, which encourages member countries to connect to and actively use the ICSE Database. Botswana’s participation aligns with global initiatives to combat child sexual exploitation and demonstrates the country’s commitment to international law enforcement standards. By adopting the ICSE platform, BPS officers can contribute to a coordinated approach that protects children, identifies offenders, and prevents future abuse. The five-day programme equips officers with the technical skills, investigative techniques, and ethical guidance necessary for effective participation. Overall, this initiative marks a significant advancement in Botswana’s efforts to safeguard children, strengthen law enforcement capabilities, and ensure that victims of sexual exploitation receive timely support and justice.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
