Sex Offences Worry Nata Police

Pini Bothoko | Monday October 10, 2016 17:53

Nata police station commander Otsile Fane, said they record seven or more cases of rape and defilement in his policing area every three months. Fane said they found it fit to hold a workshop before the end of this month to sensitise the community on the offences.

He said the numbers may sound small to other people, but it is worrisome because minors and vulnerable people like old women usually fall victims to these offences.

“This is worrying to us because it takes away one’s happiness, self-esteem and dignity leaving them with psychological and sometimes physical scars,” he said.

“We do not know what is the cause of these offences but we are determined to educate the community to refrain from committing them,” said Fane.

He added that usually the offences occur at night when people are from entertainment joints. As for defilement, Fane said the incidents usually occur at home where children are supposed to be safe. Fane pleaded with parents to protect their children, especially the girl children. “I plead with parents to take care of their children, monitor their movements, protect them, monitor who they interact with to avoid cases like these,” said Fane.

He also pleaded with mothers to have a good relationship with their daughters so that they can open up to them when they are experiencing problems. Fane also warned women to refrain from walking alone at night and to always make sure that their bedrooms are locked when they are sleeping.

“We are worried as the police as these offences have serious consequences on both the victim and the offender(s),” he added.

Fane said the offences have negative consequences for both the victims and offenders because some offenders are breadwinners for their families who stand to suffer if they are jailed. He said usually the victims are women and young girls, but at times even men report similar cases even though the numbers are minimal as compared to females.

He said it is shocking the way rape cases are on the rise in his area in the era where HIV/AIDS pandemic is taking people’s lives. Fane promised that as the police they will continue with their advocacy and lobbying campaigns geared towards behavioural change in the community. He said this should also apply to the community so that they can help them reduce these incidents. Fane pleaded with victims not to shy away from reporting these incidents so that justice can prevail.