Jwaneng police are investigating a shocking case of alleged sexual abuse involving a six-year-old girl. The incident came to light after the child's mother took her to Makwate village for the festive holidays. Upon returning to Jwaneng, the mother noticed that something was wrong when her daughter cried out in pain while bathing, saying, "Moroto wa baba."
After further questioning, the child revealed that her older cousin had allegedly inserted fingers into her private parts on multiple occasions. Distressed, the mother immediately reported the incident to Jwaneng police.
Confirming the case, Station Commander Superintendent Thuso Basuti stated that the child is currently receiving medical attention.
"Once the medical process is complete, the case will be transferred to Makwate for further investigations, as that is where the incident allegedly occurred," he said. Meanwhile, the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law, and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) has previously expressed deep concern over the rising cases of child abuse and violence, some of which have led to tragic outcomes.
In a statement, BONELA stated that such incidents violate Section 61 (1) of the Children’s Act, which prohibits subjecting a child to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The organisation further pointed out that many people remain unaware of children's rights and fail to report cases of abuse, despite legal obligations under Section 43 (1) of the Children’s Act 2009.
This law mandates that anyone with reasonable cause to believe a child is in danger must immediately report the matter to a social worker or police officer. BONELA has urged the public to take a stand against child abuse and actively participate in protecting vulnerable children.
After further questioning, the child revealed that her older cousin had allegedly inserted fingers into her private parts on multiple occasions. Distressed, the mother immediately reported the incident to Jwaneng police.
Confirming the case, Station Commander Superintendent Thuso Basuti stated that the child is currently receiving medical attention.
"Once the medical process is complete, the case will be transferred to Makwate for further investigations, as that is where the incident allegedly occurred," he said. Meanwhile, the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law, and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) has previously expressed deep concern over the rising cases of child abuse and violence, some of which have led to tragic outcomes.
In a statement, BONELA stated that such incidents violate Section 61 (1) of the Children’s Act, which prohibits subjecting a child to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The organisation further pointed out that many people remain unaware of children's rights and fail to report cases of abuse, despite legal obligations under Section 43 (1) of the Children’s Act 2009.
This law mandates that anyone with reasonable cause to believe a child is in danger must immediately report the matter to a social worker or police officer. BONELA has urged the public to take a stand against child abuse and actively participate in protecting vulnerable children.
