In May 2020, Batswana learned about a charge of defilement laid against the Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Hon Polson Majaga . According to reports from the newspapers, he has allegedly defiled a 16-year-old girl and the alleged statutory rape has resulted in a pregnancy. Hon Majaga has since appeared for mention before the Nata Magistrate court and a court date has been set for 25 August, 2020 at the same court.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) has become the norm in Botswana.  Bokani King in the Echo newspaper, dated 20 April 2020, reported, “According to statistics shared by the Botswana police, from March 30th to April 5^th 2020, 23 defilement cases, 22 rape cases and 2 cases of passion killings were recorded. Of the 23 defilement cases recorded, 7 were children under 13 years of age”.

Evidence however indicates that generally defilement cases are slow to make it through the criminal justice system, if at all; resulting in young people having limited access to justice as well as stigma and discrimination from the community which breeds in us a reluctance to report. Some cases are withdrawn due to pressure from family etc.

Since 2013, Skillshare International Botswana Youth Council, has been working with youth in Nata/Gweta Constituency on promotion, protection and fulfillment of children’s rights through a campaign entitled: “NO MORE TEENAGE PREGNANCY.” As a result, there has been zero teenage pregnancy at Dukwi refugee camp since 2015 to date. As the Youth Council we are concerned that our efforts are dragged down by the very person who is supposed to protect us.

SIGN THIS PETITION AND CALL FOR PROTECTION OF THE GIRL CHID FROM SEXUAL ABUSE IN BOTSWANA.

We the undersigned:

We call on the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security of the Republic of Botswana to:

• Ensure that the Administration of Justice speeds up the hearing of defilement cases.
• Establish a specialized Children’s Court to ensure the best interests of childrenand young people.
• Urge all law enforcement officers to take the necessary and prompt steps to ensure that all actions are taken to promote justice.

We call on young people to say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” We urge parents, uncles, aunts, opinion leaders, everyone in all your capacities to join in and support us to protect the girl child.

#HerVoiceMatters
#NoToDefilment
#NoToSexualExploitation
#EnoughIsEnough