Africa-Press – Botswana. Despite COVID-19 pandemic getting everyone preoccupied recently, gender-based violence (GBV) continues to have a fair share of attention, especially for the men and women in uniform.
Police in the Central District say intimate partner violence and defilement have become some of the most challenging socio-cultural issues in their region.
Officer Commanding for the district, Senior Superintendent, Paul Oketsang, raised the concern when reached for an interview by The Monitor.
He stated that rape and defilement cases might not be new in the country, but their manner and frequency are worrisome. The cases are prevalent in Mmashoro, Moiyabana and Serowe villages.
Oketsang added that even though some rape cases are considered as date rape, women are no longer safe, as sexual assault remains rampant and often committed by people they are familiar with. He further expressed concern at the continued sexual assault on young girls. The police chief implored men to respect young girls and let them grow to make wise and mature decisions.
According to Oketsang, defilement cases in the district increased from three in 2020 to seven in 2021.
“This year we have registered 12 rape cases with majority of them committed during the festive season,” he said.
He cautioned men against inflicting pain on minors, because the act leaves them with a lifetime of trauma and the victims go through painful emotions.
Oketsang further pleaded with men as perpetrators to respect themselves and make it a habit to always remember that ‘No means No’. He added that men should remember that having spent time with someone or buying them drinks and gifts does not give them the right to violate them.
He stated that investigations into these cases are usually a headache, as the perpetrators would claim to have had consent of the victims and gone to an extent of accusing them of extortion.
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