Toll free number helps reduce rape and defilement cases

Rape and defilement cases recorded in No.2 District, which covers Serowe, Palapye, Maunatlala and Serule villages have reduced drastically.

Officer Commanding No.2 District, Paul Oketsang told The Midweek Sun on Monday that a total of 41 rape cases in Serowe were reported for the months of January to March 2020 against 28 in the same period in 2021, Palapye had 23 rape cases in 2020 against 18 in 2021, Maunatlala had nine rape cases in 2020 against six in 2021 and Serule had an increase of four rape cases in 2020 against six in 2021 in the same period.

Oketsang noted that for defilement of persons under the age of 18, Serowe recorded 43 in January to March 2020 while in the same period in 2021, 25 defilement cases were recorded.

Palapye recorded 13 cases against 17 cases, Maunatlala recorded seven against two cases and Serule recorded five cases both in 2020 in 2021.

Oketsang noted that the toll free number, which was launched by Botswana Police Service in April 2020 aimed at helping Gender Based Violence (GBV) victims, is working effectively as they receive calls from victims for assistance.

“The toll free number is assisting to reduce victim stigmatisation, as well as enhance trust and confidentiality,” Oketsang said.

The police chief attributed the reduction in cases to Police efforts in sensitising the public about issues of GBV.

Oketsang appealed to men to be involved in the fight against GBV because they are an important stakeholder in stopping the rape culture. He added that government should step up mobilisation, sensitisation and education.