HIV/AIDS SPREAD IN PRISON RELATED TO HOMOSEXUALITY

Source: Calistus Kolantsho (Mmegi Correspondent)

BOTSWANA – 22 June 2009: Prison life can lead to HIV/AIDS through homosexual behaviour. Speaking during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child in Selebi-Phikwe, the town’s Principal Magistrate, Thato Mujaji said that in prison, male children are forced to share prison cells with older and hardened criminals, who in turn abuse them sexually and this can change a child’s life forever. She said that a child’s mind is not only traumatised and corrupted but his or her health is also destroyed.

The magistrate said the importance of education must be emphasised on the young minds as without education, a child is lost. “Without education, there are unwanted pregnancies because a child who does not attend school has an idle mind and is prone to sexual activities and even prostitution to obtain money,” she said.

“It is also discouraging to note that due to lack of encouragement by parents, children, especially girls engage in sexual activities resulting in unwanted pregnancies which in return result in single parents flooding our maintenance courts seeking for maintenance against those who have impregnated them,” the magistrate said.

Mujaji explained that the number of young women appearing in court seeking help is increasing at an alarming rate despite efforts by health organisations to discourage unprotected sex because of the problem of HIV/AIDS.

Stating that children born out of wedlock suffer especially if the mother is unemployed, Mujali said that many of these children are maintained at meagre amounts of between P100 to a maximum average of P500 which is not enough to comfortably raise the children.

Mujaji stressed that the Day of the African Child is an opportunity for the Administration of Justice to make a clarion call to parents, community leaders and the African children themselves to shun unprotected sex, sex before marriage and to concentrate on their education so that they don't get involved in crime.

Another growing concern is the huge and increasing number of orphans in Africa. “By 2005, there were 48.3 million orphans in the continent and it is very disheartening that many African children still experience the worst forms of abuse,” the magistrate said.

Majali added: “Even in Botswana, there are cultural and religious groups that propagate child marriages. I encourage community leaders to shun such societies and networks as they destroy the future of our children,” she said.

Speaking at the same meeting, the Minister of Lands and Housing, who is also a Member of Parliament for Selebi-Phikwe East, Nonofo Molefhi said the town is still experiencing cases of child abuse. He mentioned that there was a young girl who was recently raped and killed in Botshabelo.

He lamented that in many African countries, children are normally affected by wars, which they did not start and added that the government will continue providing for the children, especially in education and health, among others.

“I also advise men to take care of their children even when they have broken up with the mother,” he said. However, he advised the children that despite them having rights, they should take responsibility and respect their parents. He also suggested that the government should come up with an act that will force children to take care of their parents when they are employed.