Botswana has of recent seen a spike in incidents of GBV, which also involved members of the disciplined forces. This is despite the country being a signatory to international conventions that promote the rights and well-being of women and the elimination of GBV, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
Speaking during his recent visit to Letlhakane Prison, the President said the mania has left him very disappointed. Masisi stated that GBV perpetrated mainly by males against females and children, is an abhorrent behavioural trend that should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Masisi said given such incidences, it is therefore, essential that officers are also targeted through programmes meant to address GBV and anger management issues. “Given the spike in the incidence of inhumane acts of violence across the board, it is therefore fitting that programmes should not only be administered to prisoners but officers as well,” Masisi said. “We have seen in recent times members of the disciplined organisations involved in these kinds of issues, which is quite disappointing because you are the ones who are supposed to be protecting the nation.” Furthermore, Masisi urged prison officials to keep on intensifying their character moulding programmes particularly those addressing GBV, anger management, positive parenting and peace education amongst others. Despite several efforts, GBV remains the country’s nightmare with men in uniform amongst the perpetrators. T
