Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Matahe condemned the recent incidents, which include severe neglect by mothers and the sexual abuse of a minor. She called the situation a “flagrant abuse” of children’s rights and safety.

The police intervened to rescue young children who were left alone for several days under harrowing circumstances. In one instance, four siblings (3, 4, 12, and 15 years) were found in a state of neglect and hunger after their mother disappeared. A relative stepped in to care for the children.

In another incident, a teacher raised the alarm after noticing a child was in a visibly poor condition. Upon questioning, the child revealed their mother had left her and two younger siblings (two and five years), alone at home. 

Mothers were later apprehended

Police were alerted and acted swiftly to rescue the children. Both mothers were later apprehended and found guilty of child neglect. They received suspended sentences of five years, wholly suspended for three years.

A separate case involved a girl (14) who was sexually assaulted by a relative. The accused was convicted and handed a five-year sentence, also wholly suspended for five years. He was declared unfit to work with children and has been added to the national sexual offenders register.

“I am angered by the abuse of the children. I am particularly incensed that in two of the cases, mothers were guilty of neglect of their children.” She said lenient sentencing sends the wrong message and fails to deter similar behavior.

We need everyone to play a role

“If we are going to win the battle against women and child abuse, we need everyone to play a role. A suspended sentence for neglecting a 2-year-old baby, who was later found extremely hungry, does little to discourage other irresponsible women from doing the same thing. 

“We therefore, without necessarily dictating to the courts of law how to conduct their affair, [appeal] to impose harsh sentences on offenders who abandon their children.”

Communities are to remain vigilant and report any signs of abuse or neglect. She also called on the justice system to support the fight against child abuse through stronger legal consequences that reflect the severity of the crimes.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi