01 May 2024

The bodies of 45 Batswana who perished in a bus accident in Limpopo, South Africa arrived at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on April 30, ahead of their burial on May 4.

The victims met their demise at Mamatlakala Bridge in Limpopo on March 28, whilst on a trip to attend St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Easter services in Moria, South Africa.

It was a sorrowful scenes as families watched in pain, as 45 sealed caskets of their loved ones were carried one after the other by members of Botswana Defence Force from two cargo planes.

Addressing the mourners, the acting President Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the arrival marked the end of long distressful wait that the families had to endure.

He encouraged the bereaved families to look to God for comfort, adding that although the victims died in a road accident, there was no such thing as an accident to God, as He predestined all things.

“God knows why this happened,” Mr Tsogwane  told the family members and Batswana.

Also, he thanked the South Africa government for its role in ensuring that the bodies were repatriated home.

He further informed mourners about another road accident involving church members at Kanye, which claimed the lives of seven South Africans.

He said government would do all the needful for the repatriation of the deceased.

Bakwena deputy chief, Kgosi Lawrence Mhaladi said the loss of 44 people from Molepolole was distressing. “We asked ourselves questions, why Molepolole, why ZCC, but we could not find answers,” Kgosi Mhaladi said, adding that they found solace in God who knew all things.

Furthermore, he said government support had been gratifying, noting that amid the lengthy repatriation process, there were periodic updates from government officials.

South Africa High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Thaninga Shope-Soumah appreciated the cordial relations that existed between both the government of

Botswana and South Africa in the repatriation process, adding that Botswana had done a lot for South Africans, as the country was their refuge during the liberation struggle.

The funeral proceedings for all the 45 victims will be held at Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday.

Forty-four of the deceased, will be laid to rest at Garanta Cemetery in Molepolole whilst the other one will be buried at his home village of Thamaga on the same day. ENDS