Key Points:
• Rising GBV Incidents: Over the festive season, 60.7% of 298 reported crimes were linked to gender-based violence (GBV), with nearly 100 reported rape cases in just two weeks.
• Spike in Murders: The new government’s first 100 days saw 25 murder cases—an increase from 20 in the previous festive period—with many incidents tied to alcohol-fueled conflicts.
• Legal Gaps Exposed: Widespread public outcry highlights significant legal loopholes in handling GBV, stalking, harassment, and bail issues, prompting calls for urgent amendments to the penal code.
• Wider Societal Concerns: National leaders and community advocates point to a culture of violence, with experts stressing that violence is embedded from an early age through harsh disciplinary practices.
• Other Crime Trends: Escalating cases of missing persons and rising suicide rates among youth further compound public safety worries.
In the first 100 days of the new government, Botswana—a nation long celebrated for its peace and strong cultural value of Botho—has been rocked by a surge in crime, particularly gender-based violence (GBV). According to official reports from the Botswana Police Service (BPS), 298 offenses against persons were recorded over the festive season, with 181 (or 60.7%) of these linked directly to GBV. Shockingly, nearly 93 women were reported raped between December 19, 2024, and January 5, 2025—a staggering figure for a country of roughly 2.3 million people, and this number reflects only those cases that were formally reported.
In addition to GBV, the period saw 25 murder cases—a notable increase compared to 20 cases during the previous festive period. Many of these homicides occurred in the wake of drinking sprees and disputes, with knife-related injuries being the predominant method. Particularly distressing were the incidents with a domestic or intimate context: eight cases involved partners, while two involved minors, with tragic instances where a minor fell victim to violence by a step-parent or caregiver.
These troubling statistics have ignited a robust public debate on social media and beyond, with many calling for urgent legal reforms. Critics argue that outdated legal provisions—especially those concerning stalking, harassment, and intimidation—have hampered law enforcement’s ability to effectively charge perpetrators. In many instances, victims reported crimes only to find that the legal framework lacked the necessary tools to ensure justice. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the bail system, as many GBV offenders are released on bail, only to commit further violence, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Amid these calls for reform, public pressure is mounting on the new administration to do more than just offer assurances. There is a strong demand for increased penalties and the swift implementation of laws that specifically target GBV and other rising crime trends.
In response to the outcry, President Duma Boko offered a broader perspective on the nation’s challenges. “We are a violent nation. We are violent, each and every one of us,” he remarked, emphasizing that violence is ingrained in society from an early age—highlighting the role of school disciplinary practices and broader social norms in perpetuating a culture of aggression. According to Boko, the methods by which children are disciplined not only contribute to immediate issues but also sow the seeds for future societal violence.
Adding her voice to the debate, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo stressed that addressing GBV requires a collective effort. “It is not solely the responsibility of the government,” she said, urging every citizen to engage in open dialogue within families and communities to break the cycle of violence.
Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe also underscored the urgency of the matter during the legal year’s opening. In discussions with police commissioners and magistrates, he noted the critical need to standardize procedures for handling GBV and domestic violence cases. “This will require comprehensive training and the upskilling of our magistrates,” he asserted, emphasizing that a coordinated legal response is essential for effective justice.
Beyond GBV, other disturbing crime trends have emerged. Reports indicate a doubling of missing persons cases during the festive season—from 25 cases in the previous year to 51 cases this year. Among these, children aged between three and 14 have disappeared during rainy days over the holidays, with some cases ending tragically. The rise in suicide cases, particularly among young people, adds another layer of complexity to the nation’s security concerns.
As Botswana grapples with these interrelated issues—from legal loopholes in handling GBV to broader cultural challenges—public sentiment is clear: there is a desperate need for systemic reform. Citizens are hopeful that the new administration will swiftly implement measures to strengthen laws, tighten bail regulations, and address the deep-rooted social factors that contribute to a culture of violence.
For many, the hope is that decisive action will restore the peace and security that Botswana has long been known for, ensuring a safer, more just society for all its citizens.
