Moeti Caesar Mohwasa officially launched the Child Friendly Policing Documentary on 04 March 2026 in Gaborone. The documentary highlights national efforts to improve how law enforcement handles cases that involve children. It reflects a growing commitment by government institutions and development partners to strengthen child protection systems across the country. The initiative emerged through collaboration between the Botswana Police Service and UNICEF. The project aims to raise awareness about child friendly policing while showing practical examples of how police officers respond to cases that involve minors.
The documentary presents the work of Child Friendly Service Centres that operate within police facilities. These centres create safe environments where children can report abuse or provide statements without fear. Police officers trained in child protection manage these spaces and ensure that interviews and investigations respect the emotional needs of young victims. The programme helps reduce trauma during investigations while supporting stronger evidence collection. It also strengthens trust between communities and the police by showing that children receive protection and respect when they interact with the justice system.
During his keynote address, Moeti Caesar Mohwasa stressed that protecting vulnerable children reflects the true progress of a nation. He explained that a society cannot claim sustainable development if it fails to safeguard the welfare of its young citizens. He also noted that child protection plays a critical role in social stability and justice. According to the Minister, law enforcement agencies must adopt trauma informed methods when handling cases that involve children. This approach ensures that victims feel safe when reporting abuse, which in turn strengthens investigations and accountability.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of international partners that support child protection initiatives in Botswana. He thanked the Governments of Japan and United Kingdom for assisting in strengthening institutional capacity. Their support has helped improve training, resources and operational systems that focus on children’s rights. He also praised the continued partnership with UNICEF for advancing programmes that protect vulnerable children. These partnerships help build systems that respond effectively to abuse, exploitation and neglect.
In her welcome remarks, Dinah Marathe described the documentary as a major step in building a child centred justice system. She explained that the Botswana Police Service has already established eight Child Friendly Service Centres across the country. These facilities provide specialised spaces where children can receive support during investigations. Officers trained in child protection conduct interviews in environments designed to reduce fear and anxiety. The Commissioner noted that such measures improve cooperation from young victims and witnesses.
Commissioner Marathe also shared key results from recent policing efforts. She revealed that about 50 percent of child related cases in 2025 resulted in arrests. This outcome reflects improvements in case preparation and the specialised training provided to officers. The training forms part of a Joint Rolling Workplan signed between the Botswana Police Service and UNICEF. The partnership focuses on strengthening investigations that involve children while improving access to justice. According to the Commissioner, these efforts help ensure that offenders face accountability while victims receive proper care and support.
The Commissioner also outlined future plans to expand Child Friendly Service Centres across all policing districts in Botswana. High need areas will receive priority as resources become available. The expansion will allow more communities to access specialised child protection services within police stations. She stressed that the police service remains committed to rights based and trauma informed policing practices. These methods help ensure that children receive fair treatment while maintaining the integrity of criminal investigations.
Kimanzi Muthengi also addressed the gathering and described the documentary as both a milestone and a call to action. He praised police officers who continue to demonstrate compassion and professionalism when dealing with vulnerable children. He emphasised that strong partnerships between law enforcement, government institutions and development agencies remain essential. According to him, protecting children requires both prevention strategies and effective response systems. He urged all stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and ensure that no child suffers abuse without access to justice.
The launch event also featured a panel discussion that explored broader child protection issues in Botswana. Participants included Aumakwe Aaron, Goitseone Ngono, Jobbie Moilatshimo and Giles Enticknap. The panel discussed ways to strengthen prevention systems, improve coordination between institutions and support victims throughout the justice process. Speakers emphasised the need for community involvement in protecting children from abuse and exploitation. They also highlighted the role of education and awareness in reducing crimes that affect minors.
The launch of the Child Friendly Policing Documentary signals an important step in Botswana’s ongoing efforts to protect children and strengthen the justice system. The collaboration between the Botswana Police Service, UNICEF and international partners demonstrates a shared commitment to safeguarding young citizens. By promoting child centred policing practices, the initiative encourages greater trust between communities and law enforcement agencies. Continued investment in specialised training, facilities and partnerships will help ensure that children receive the protection they deserve. These efforts position Botswana to build a justice system that respects children’s rights while holding offenders accountable.
