The Botswana Child Rights Network (BCRN); a 30-member national coalition of child service CSOs has expressed concern by what it views as a complete disregard for children’s rights by members of parliament. The group called for Member of Parliament for Tonota Pono Moatlhodi to take leave of absence from parliament, following a case in which he is alleged to have assaulted a minor last year for stealing mangoes, contravening section 61 of the 2009 Botswana Children’s Act. The group of CSOs also reiterated their call for a parliament code of ethics. The group's representative Tebogo Gareitsanye told Gabz FM News that a code of conduct would help avoid issues of partisan politics coming into play, and help parliament have a standardized measure against which all MPs are held accountable. Moatlhodi has offered to pay P40,000 as compensation to a minor that he allegedly assaulted in order for charges against him to be withdrawn. The state alleges that the UDC legislator and married couple, acting in concert subjected the now 12 year old, to inhuman treatment on January 30, 2019 by assaulting him in Tonota. The trio is alleged to have thereafter unleashed a vicious dog to bite the minor causing him puncture wounds and bruises on his face and body contrary to the Children’s Act. The offer has been accepted by the parents. Meanwhile… Member of Parliament (MP) for Nata-Gweta Polsen Majaga has called for the withdrawal of a petition by the Botswana Child Rights Network, to ask the legislator to take leave of absence from parliament.Majaga who has been accused of defilement and is alleged to have impregnated a 16 year old girl in his constituency said the case is still before the courts and therefore should not be discussed.He expressed displeasure at the group of CSOs, who petitioned for his leave of absence through MP for Sefare-Ramokgonami Dr Kesitegile Gobusang, for already presuming his guilt. Majaga said the petition is nothing short of an attempt to damage his reputation, score political points and secure donor funding. The legislator insisted that he will not take a leave of absence, but will continue to represent his constituents in parliament. Photo by: BW Parliament