01 May 2024

There will be no viewing of corpses during the funeral of all 45 Batswana who died in a bus accident in Limpopo, South Africa.

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mr Kabo Morwaeng thus announced when updating members of the media on the funeral arrangements, following the arrival of the remains of the crash victims at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on April 30.

He explained that although some of the bodies were identified by family members, the public and family members would not be allowed the common practice of viewing corpses before burial.

Mr Morwaeng said the decision was taken in accordance with health protocols, considering the lengthy time taken before burial and the severity of the accident.

He said notwithstanding that some corpses were identifiable, the public should take into consideration that the bus was engulfed by fire.

Mr Morwaeng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Molepolole North, explained that funeral proceedings for all the 45 victims would be held in one place - Molepolole Sport Complex, and 44 would be buried at Garanta Cemetery while one would be laid to rest  in Thamaga as per the family request.

Also, he told the media that death certificates for all of the deceased had been provided, adding that the bodies would not have crossed into Botswana without death certificates.

He said families of the victims would, with support from the government, continue to work with members of Botswana Police and their South African counterparts on any outstanding issues.

He also said there had been cordial engagements and consultations between bereaved families, village leadership and government officials amid the long period of repatriation.

Furthermore, Mr Morwaeng announced that the funeral proceedings would be broadcast live on Botswana Television and social media pages to allow Batswana from across the country to watch.

He further said although public members were welcome to attend, no vehicle would be allowed at the stadium, except at designated parking lots at nearby schools, from where the public would be ferried to the stadium.

The minister also said the government would continue to offer the bereaved families support until the funeral.

He added that even after the funeral, those still in need of counseling would be assisted.

He said the government had, from the onset, provided all the families with support and counselling.

The 45 victims died on March 28 while on a journey to attend St Engenas Zion Christian Church Easter services in Moria, South Africa.

The only survivor  is an eight-year-old girl. ENDS