04 Feb 2025

Residents of some villages in Tswapong South have called for strict laws against perpetrators of gender based violence (GBV).

They said that some perpetrators of GBV ended up repeating the crimes they committed because after being granted bail, adding that this issue should be addressed immediately and the law should be enforced.

They said this during kgotla meetings addressed by the Member of Parliament for Tswapong South, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang in Tupswa, Malete, Seleka, Rasesa, Ramokgonami and Maape villages recently.

A resident of Mhalapitsa, Ms Gaedupe Simon called for swift prosecution and stiffer penalties for GBV perpetrators.

She said violence cases were accelerated by the fact that offenders were easily granted bail, stayed long before trial and ended up committing the same crimes.

Mr Baikgoditse Lekolwanyane urged men to exercise self-discipline as they were the ones who often abused women and children.

Most residents said cases were fuelled by the courts by releasing suspects on bail.

They gave an example of incidents of GBV in their villages which happened recently where two women were killed.

They said a woman lost her life at the hands of her husband while another woman was raped, killed and dumped by the roadside.

They said that in both cases the suspects were granted bail.

The residents said they were always afraid because they ended up having to stay with the suspects in their villages.

Dr Gobotswang also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of GBV in the country and asked residents to give their views on how to address the situation.

He said parliament had passed legislation on GBV, but the incidents persist. ENDS