07 Apr 2024

Corporal Goitseone Tshegetsang, 36, who succumbed to a short illness while serving in the Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, was laid to rest in Letlhakeng on April 6.

He met his demise while deployed as part of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) on a SADC Military Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).  Corporal Tshegetsang’s funeral proceedings were testimony to the fact that he was a true servant.

His casket draped with the country’s national flag was ushered to his place of rest by a quartet of men and women in military regalia.  The sounding of the Last Post signified the final resting place of the departed BDF member while the reveille called upon those still serving in the military to continue with integrity, courage and diligence.  

The folded flag was handed over to the bereaved family as a national gift; a memory of sacrificial life.

Finally, the three gun salutes marked the end of the ceremonial funeral, signifying the confidence and trust that the nation had on the departed BDF member and honour bestowed upon him.
Lt Col Ditiro Bokwe said in 2015, Corporal Tshegetsang was engaged in the army as an auto mechanic.  

He said the deceased carried out his work with utmost commitment and his delivery was exceptional, labelling him as a seasoned soldier.

Even though affectionately known as Marc G by his colleagues, Lt Col. Bokwe preferred to call him Magaeva because with him nothing concerning his work was impossible, including the maintenance of heavy vehicles.

He said Corporal Tshegetsang’s role in Mozambique was to ensure that all their vehicles were up and running, an assignment he carried out without fail. Message from the force commander for SAMIM, Major General

Patrick Dube, described Corporal Tshegetsang as a devoted and dedicated soldier who served the force with pride until his last breath.

“We are all proud of him, may his soul rest in eternal peace. The whole SAMIM force is with you in this moment of grief and we pray that you have courage as a family and friends to this irreparable loss,” stated the message.
A message of condolences from BDF Commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo read, “As BDF, we are mourning the loss of Corporal Goitseone Tshegetsang…He has served BDF for 15 years and 10 months.

We were still expecting more from him to serve and protect the nation, unfortunately his life was cut short. We are with you in this difficult time, we hope you will find comfort in God and he will have eternal peace.”

Corporal Tshegetsang’s uncle, Mr Ditiro Sapula thanked pastors for helping them to cope with grief and mending their broken hearts.

He said when Corporal Tshegetsang left for Mozambique for the second time, he told him (uncle) that should he die there, there should be an inquest on his death Therefore, he said at first when he received news that his nephew was no more, he believed that he was shot but later the post-mortem proved that he died from heart failure.  

He said Corporal Tshegetsang was talented and a good traditional dancer.  He added that he had a great sense of humour.

A friend, Ms Proper Selelo said she would miss Corporal Tshegetsang’s kindness and support, adding he was a shoulder to lean on. His brother, Mr Binas Tshegetsang said Corporal Tshegetsang’s legacy of love and peace would live on.  He said his deep love for rumba music was amazing. Other speakers described him as a peace-maker and true patriot. He is survived by his father, mother, three siblings and two children. Ends