11 Apr 2024

Families of the six victims in the Limpopo bus crash left the country today to South Africa to identify bodies of their loved ones.

The families are accompanied by Kweneng District Commissioner, Ms Tebogo Bagopi and three social workers who are experts in grief and trauma counselling.

In an interview, Kweneng District Council secretary, Mr Olebile Mafala said two members from each family travelled at government’s expense and were expected to return to Botswana on Saturday (April 13).

Mr Mafala said DNA samples had confirmed the identities of six of the victims out of 45 and the police had notified families about their loved ones’ deaths.

“This confirmation is a key step in the process and it is important to note that not all of the victims have been positively identified and the process of identification is ongoing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kweneng District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) is also preparing for the funeral services, which will be held once all the victims have been identified.

However, it is uncertain when the identification process will be completed and when victims will be buried.

The DDMC is currently meeting daily to receive updates and make logistical arrangements for the anticipated funeral service, likely to be the saddest and heartbreaking time for the families and the entire community and nation.

The committee is also working hard to ensure that all was done with utmost respect and sensitivity. ENDS