BDF Commander urges soldiers to seek help amid GBV crisis
Pini Bothoko | Monday March 23, 2026 06:00
Addressing members of the army recently, Mophuting placed strong emphasis on the importance of speaking out and accessing available support systems, particularly in the wake of rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and suicides within the military.
“No one in this force should suffer in silence. Seeking help is not weakness, it is strength,” he said, urging personnel to utilise support structures such as commanders, chaplains, social welfare officers and medical professionals.
Since being appointed the BDF Commander four months ago, Mophuting has consistently advocated for a shift in soldiers’ behaviour and paying greater attention to mental health.
The Commander’s remarks come at a time when the BDF has been grappling with a troubling wave of incidents involving soldiers accused of killing their spouses or intimate partners, as well as cases of suicide. These developments have sparked concern nationally and cast a shadow over the reputation of the disciplined force.
Mophuting acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that such incidents have shaken public confidence and stand in direct contrast to the values upon which the BDF is built.
“I speak to you today about an issue that goes to the very heart of who we are as soldiers and as human beings. These incidents do not represent the values of the BDF, but they remind us that we must confront this challenge with honesty, courage and decisive action,” he said
He reiterated that discipline, honour, respect and responsibility must guide soldiers not only in their line of duty but also in their personal lives and relationships.
“Violence against a spouse or partner is unacceptable and incompatible with the oath we took to serve this nation. A soldier who cannot protect those closest to him or her cannot claim to stand as a protector of the Republic,' Mophuting said.
At the same time, the BDF Commander recognised the intense pressures associated with military life, including operational demands, financial strain and relationship challenges, which can take a toll on members and their families.
In response, he announced a force-wide intervention aimed at addressing both GBV and suicide within the ranks. The initiative will focus on strengthening prevention measures, improving access to counselling and support services, and enforcing strict accountability for misconduct.
“Every commander, at every level, is responsible for the welfare and discipline of the men and women under their command,” he said.
Since the beginning of 2022, the BDF has recorded recurring incidents of homicide and suicide involving its members, with several cases linked to domestic disputes. In some of the most recent incidents, a high-ranking officer based at Glen Valley Barracks allegedly killed his wife before taking his own life, while another soldier is reported to have murdered his wife in Matobo village.
Such cases have become alarmingly frequent, with reports of intimate partner killings emerging almost weekly, raising questions about mental health support, stress management and accountability within the armed forces. These killings have also raised concerns over the quality of screening during recruitment and the overall operational culture within the armed forces.
Some people are of the view that, of late, people join the army not out of passion or commitment to serving the nation but as a last resort due to the high unemployment rate. They believe that as a result of these societal pressures, the BDF are more focused on numbers than the calibre of those they enlist.
The growing crisis has ignited national debate, with many calling for urgent reforms to address the underlying causes and to better support members of the disciplined services.
Despite the grim backdrop, Mophuting expressed optimism that the current moment could serve as a turning point for the institution. “Let us recommit ourselves to the values that make the BDF a respected institution of our republic. We must take care of our families, support our comrades and uphold the honour of the uniform we wear,' pleads Mophuting.
His address has been widely viewed as a firm and timely intervention, reinforcing the message that seeking help is not only acceptable but essential in restoring the integrity and well-being of the army. By championing behavioural reform and prioritising mental wellness, Mophuting aims to restore the integrity and public confidence of the BDF while safeguarding the well-being of its personnel.