United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms Etleva Kadilli, this morning (18/03/2025) paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Support Services, Mr Solomon Mantswe at Botswana Police Headquarters.

 

The purpose of the visit was to appreciate and strengthen the existing collaborations between UNICEF and Botswana Police Service (BPS) in addressing crimes against children.

In welcoming the Regional Director, Mr Mantswe said crime is still manageable but expressed concern on the rising statistics of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He further said the relationship between the two organisations is based on the commitment to protect human rights especially of children.

 

He pointed out that in response to GBV, BPS established a Gender and Child Protection Branch in 2021, to offer a conducive environment that facilitates the professional handling of GBV and child abuse cases.

 

The Deputy Commissioner shared some of the notable joint efforts with UNICEF, such as, a Joint Rolling Plan which has been successfully implemented, Standard Operating Procedures for the reception, interviewing and referral of cases involving children, establishment of Child-Friendly Centres (CFC’s), equipping CFCs with furniture and facilitated the acquisition and issuing of audio and video recording equipment to some centres and training experts.

 

“We wish to confirm and apprise you that since the introduction of CFCs policing, we observed an improvement in the reporting, handling and disposal of reported cases,” Mr Mantswe said.

 

For her part, Ms Kadilli commended BPS for the progress made in implementing Standard Operating Procedures to guide in the management of cases involving children. “it is encouraging to hear that you have audio equipment used in capturing statements from children to avoid secondary victimisation. The Regional Director pledged her support to the partnership.

 

The UNICEF delegation comprised Dr Joan Matji, UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Kimanzi Muthengi, Deputy Country Representative, Ms Tuduetso Kelapile, Head of Communications and Advocacy, Ms Gomolemo Rasesigo, Child Protection Specialist, and Ms Keneilwe Molomo from the Ministry of International Relations.

 

On BPS side, Mr Mantswe was accompanied by Director of Cyber Forensics Branch, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kealeboga Keeditse, Director of Gender and Child Protection Branch, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Goitseone Ngono, and Director of Departmental Management Services, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Boeletswe Gobotswang.