Bostwana Police visit a primary to talk about GBV
The Deputy Director, Gender and Child Protection Branch (GCPB), Assistant Commissioner Gontlafetse Segolodi has called on Loologane residents to work in partnership with the police in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other issues affecting children in their area.
He made the call during a GBV Outreach Programme held in Loologane Primary School in the Kweneng District on Friday (10/06/2022). Mr Segolodi said it was imperative that parents and the communities at large protect the rights of children. He noted that the police were concerned about the increase in the number of GBV incidents such as assaults, rape, threats to kill, murder and defilement of persons under the age of 18 years in which victims are mostly women and children.
He said it was disheartening that the perpetrators of these offences against women and children are people who are close to the victims being their relatives or partners.
Assistant Commissioner Segolodi said in view of the exacerbating GBV incidents in the country, the Botswana Police Gender and Child Protection Branch was established to ensure prompt response, proper handling of investigations, possible prosecution and protection of GBV victims. He reiterated that a toll-free number (0800 600 144) where GBV issues are reported was also introduced with the aim of easing reporting such matters.
The Deputy Director advised the residents to desist from the habit of concealing GBV incidents, saying unreported GBV can lead to more severe incidents.
For his part, Kgosi Baotlogetse Selabe of Loologane appreciated the initiative by the Police in educating the residents on GBV issues. He said he was hopeful that messages delivered would make a difference on how the residents perceived GBV issues.
Kgosi Selabe noted the need for parents to work with relevant authorities in moulding their children into responsible future leaders.
In her remarks, the School Head Ms Basetsa Mojakgesa raised concern about a lot of absenteeism at Loologane Primary School and involvement in love relationships by pupils, the behavior she said some parents condone. Ms Mojakgesa encouraged the attendants to take heed of the messages and make a difference.
Still at the event, the Gender and Child Protection Branch (GCPB) and Criminal Investigations (CID) Headquarters Police Women Networks donated sanitary pads and toiletry worth over P12 500.00 to Loologane Primary School pupils.
When receiving the donation, Guidance and Counselling teacher Mr Nkale Galeome expressed gratitude towards the gesture displayed by the police. He said the donation would significantly impact the daily activities of the pupils, especially the girl child. He encouraged the police to keep up the spirit and continue making a difference in the lives of the children in other areas.
