Stop the killing – Boko warns BDF over GBV scourge
Pini Bothoko | Thursday June 5, 2025 12:15


The President made the remarks at the official opening of the 20th BDF Strategic Conference that was held at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks yesterday.
Since the beginning of 2022, the BDF has been hit by recurring incidents of homicide and suicide with some members killing their spouses or girlfriends, something that has even affected the institution’s image and reputation.
Across the country, BDF members have also been appearing in different courts of law in relation to crimes such as rape, defilement, and murder, something that incessantly dragged the good name of the army in the mud.
In a stern reminder to soldiers, the President did not mince his words as he reminded them of their oath stating that the oath they swore to defend the country must not be forgotten or betrayed.
“You must display a kind of discipline that sets you apart from the rest. Yes, you are human, and yes, these challenges affect all of us. But you are a trained breed of men and women. You must respond not with violence, but with reflection and restraint. You have taken an oath that prohibits you from becoming perpetrators of GBV,” he said.
He added that their call of duty and the oath of service they took upon enlisting and commissioning into the BDF dutifully demands them to subscribe to higher morality than the ordinary citizens.
“I expect no less from you because you must lead by example. You are here to protect, not to destroy. Of course you are human but your order of discipline should enable you to reflect soberly and sensibly about these challenges even if they affect you personally,” Boko said.
The President described the pattern as 'deeply disturbing' and warned it risks tarnishing the very integrity of the BDF. He further reminded them that no one is immune as these challenges affect everyone but it is how one choose to react that set them apart and as members of the discipline forces they must lead by example.
Boko as the government they are alive to the fact that eliminating Domestic-Based Violence demands a comprehensive national response that includes stronger legal frameworks, public education, and support services. Therefore, the president said the country’s policies must reflect zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and harassment.
“These crimes undermine our development agenda, erode social cohesion, and trample on the rights of our people and as such there is a need for an urgent and coordinated action across all sectors of society to combat this crisis,” Boko said.
Over the years, Botswana has seen an alarming number of violent domestic incidents linked to disciplined forces, triggering national debate about psychological support, stress management, and accountability within the armed services.
With emotions running high and the nation demanding action, Boko’s message is clear, soldiers must protect the country and that starts in the home.