04 Apr 2024

The death of 45 countrymen in a fatal bus accident while on an Easter pilgrimage to South Africa will be forever etched in the memories of Batswana.

In the midst of all the pain that Batswana, St Engenas ZCC members and especially bereaved families endured, knowledge that the life of an eight-year-old girl was spared, brings comfort to many.

Like President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi pleaded in his message of condolences, Batswana united in prayer yesterday in honour of the departed.

As the clock hit 5pm, at the start of the national mourning programme, a large number of Batswana had descended in droves at Bobonong kgotla for the national event, Manowe Motsaathebe reports.

A healthy mixture of public servants, various religious denominations, political leaders and general community members had surged into the village kgotla clad in mourning black regalia while some were in their church regalia to honour the souls of the 45 departed, through a tragic bus accident just outside Mokopane, South Africa on their way to pilgrimage at the holy city of Moria.

Incidentally, the 45 passed on during the year in which the church would be celebrating its 100 years post formation.

The accident, it is reported, is the first ever to happen to members of the St Engenas ZCC on their way to and from Moria. Speakers in Bobonong dubbed the accident an act of God, saying the departed were in a better place and were blessed for they met their demise on their way to the holy city of Moria.

Keith Keti in Serowe reports that Kgosi Bakae Khumo implored the nation to find comfort in the Lord during this trying time, wished the bereaved families well and wished for the Lord to touch their broken hearts.

He urged pastors nationwide to pray for God’s mercies to fall upon his people while Minister’s fraternal chairperson in Serowe,

Pastor Karabo Koosimile said God was the helper and refuge during trying times and had the power to heal and mend the broken hearted.

“My help shall come from the Lord,” he said, imploring the nation to trust in the Lord. In Malaka, Tshiamiso Mosetlha reports that Lerala/Maunatlala MP, Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele who was among mourners urged the nation to look unto the Lord to heal the broken hearts.

Still in Malaka, Kgosi Dikakanyo Otukile appreciated the nation for showing compassion.

Kgotsofalang Botsang in Selebi Phikwe reports that deputy mayor, Mr Molefe Molathegi said losing 45 lives in a single accident was heart-wrenching. He urged Batswana to unite in prayer. ENDS