BDF to establish root cause of escalating murders
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday August 1, 2023 06:00
As a result, they are planning to conduct a study to determine factors that may be contributing to the killings. Since 2022, there has been an increase in intimate partner violence or murders that seem to be motivated by jealousy within the army.
This type of violence, often referred to as ‘passion killings', has become too common, which the BDF leadership has expressed displeasure about. Acting commander of the BDF, Deputy Commander Mpho Mophuting, recently appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and stated that the recent killings of BDF members are disruptive and unacceptable, with no justification for such actions.
Mophuting’s remarks followed a question asked by Member of Parliament for Nata-Gweta, Poloson Majaga who had wanted to know what the BDF leadership is doing in response to the recent spike in intimate partner killings involving members of the defence force. “There is a serious public outcry over the recent killings involving soldiers.
People are afraid because the so-called disciplined forces are killing their spouses or girlfriends. These killings bring fear to the public, what could be the cause of these killings and what is BDF doing in response to this scourge?” Majaga had asked. In response to Majaga’s enquiry, Mophuting acknowledged they were concerned about the killings that involve members of the BDF. “It is very sad for these killings to be happening and involving members of the BDF because we are a disciplined organisation. BDF is not proud of these killings. We are on the watch in terms of what members of the public have been saying and we are taking those comments seriously,” he said.
Mophuting confirmed that they will maintain their current structures to provide psychosocial support to all members of the BDF. Furthermore, as leaders, they are working on a strategy to determine the root cause of these killings, in addition to their existing efforts. “We want to come up with a detailed plan, measure and evaluate these strategies to come up with a detailed report on what could be the cause and find ways to curb this scourge. "The recent killings are a sad reflection of our society. We live in a world where anger reigns supreme and the value of human life is often overlooked. It's important to remember that these soldiers are a product of the same society that we all inhabit.
They are hired by the BDF after graduating from university and receive six months of training. It’s important to recognise that change cannot happen overnight,” he said. Wynter Mmolotsi, who is both the PAC chairperson and a legislator representing Francistown South, enquired whether the BDF had adequately prepared male members for the arrival of women in their barracks, as it seems they were not fully prepared to welcome them. “There is a say that your barracks were not ready to welcome women. Were they prepared before their arrival? These cases usually involve males and females but women are the ones who tend to be the victims,” he said. In his response, Mophuting revealed that he has attempted to engage them and there is ongoing engagement regarding the matter for both genders.
He stated that they began by hiring women officers with authority and it took some time to introduce female privates in the army as junior members. The commander revealed that they have invited external forces, including the United States military, due to having female members for many years and a need for assistance. They have also established policies to address issues related to fraternisation.
“The fraternisation and sexual harassment policy prohibits romantic relationships across officer classes. It was introduced but despite this policy members continue to violate it to the point of even killing those junior officers. However, efforts are in place to respond to these killings as we are faced with a problem,” Mophuting said.