Since the beginning of 2022, the BDF has been hit by recurring incidents of homicide and suicide with some members killing their spouses or girlfriends, something that has even affected the institution’s image and reputation.
Across the country, BDF members have also been appearing in different courts of law in relation to crimes such as rape, defilement, and murder, something that incessantly dragged the good name of the army in the mud.
This week, the BDF deliberately hosted a mass lecture on mental health for its personnel at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) that had attracted soldiers across the ranks.
We applaud the BDF for the initiative as it shows that the army is not only concerned about its soldiers’ physical fitness, but they are equally worried about them being mentally fit.
This, we hope, will give the soldiers the mental and physical sharpness that will enable them to serve the nation diligently. The intervention came at the right time for the BDF to hold the lecture because these killings have instilled fear in the public and raised doubts about the integrity of the army. It is also worrisome to see soldiers suffering from mental health problems because they carry weapons as part of their duties and also serve the nation. One of the main duties of the army is to police at the security of the nation. One wonders how secure the nation is if a high number of our servicemen and women are suffering from mental sicknesses.
There is a serious public outcry over the recent killings involving soldiers, something that has left people afraid of members of the ‘disciplined’ forces. This is because soldiers have been killing their spouses or girlfriends and in some instances even taking their own lives. It is indeed very sad for these killings to be happening and involving members of the army because they are viewed as a disciplined organisation that should be showing exemplary leadership not just in combat but also managing their personal lives.
Despite these killings being a sad reflection of our society as we live in the world where anger reigns supreme and the value of human life is often overlooked, we applaud the BDF for having taken the decision to address its personnel on these issues in order come up with redress.
The BDF is indeed moving in the right direction and we can only look forward for positive results as the institution’s leadership continues to reassure members of the public that they value and hold in high regard the welfare and well being of its service personnel.
As BDF promised that they will continue to take all the necessary measures to ensure prudent psycho-social experiences in the history of their organisation, we can only wait as it is important for soldiers to maintain their trusted standards on and off duty.
