Botswana Police Service officers sensitize community on GBV

TFTBotswana: The Air Support Branch of the Botswana Police Service held a kgotla meeting in line with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The event was organized on Wednesday with several stakeholders of the community in attendance.

The event aimed at raising public awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was held at Block 8 kgotla in Gaborone. It started with a walk from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport circle.

When giving a keynote address Block 8 Customary Court President, Kgosi Kenneth Kgari commended the police for their efforts in combating GBV. He said the police do not only provide immediate protection and justice for victims but also contribute in changing societal attitudes towards GBV.

Kgosi Kgari called on all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against this societal illness noting the need for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders. He also urged families to have conversations around GBV and refrain from accepting and condoning abuse that may ultimately lead to GBV.

Air Support Branch, Deputy Director (Operations), Assistant Commissioner, Lerunne Seema emphasised that GBV is a national concern requiring a multifaceted approach by all. He underscored the importance of sensitising the community and their role in finding solutions.

Seema also reminded the public of the availability of BPS Child-Friendly Centres, encouraging them to utilise the resources and report any incidents of violence against children. Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner expressed his concern about the tendency of some victims who withdraw abuse cases, which would perpetuate the cycle of violence.

The Crime Prevention Chairperson of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) Police Station, Michael Billy, thanked all stakeholders for participating in the event. He expressed his confidence in the good attendance, urging participants to share the message with their families and friends.

Billy also called the community to join crime prevention committees stating the importance of these committees, which allowed communities to police themselves, the way they want.

The meeting was well attended and held under the theme “𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞! 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 & 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧.”