09 Apr 2015

Five people died in four fatal road accidents during the Easter holidays from April 2 to 6.

However, a release from Botswana Police Service stated that the total number of accidents registered during the holidays stood at 97 compared to 208 in 2014, marking a reduction of five per cent.

It said last year, during the same period, police registered five fatalities from three fatal accidents. It further said the increasing number of drivers who continued to drink and drive despite numerous public education strategies wasa concern.

During this year’s holidays, 190 drivers were charged for drunken driving as compared to 145 during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the release said a total of five people were murdered in separate incidents as compared to six in 2014 while two people committed suicide as compared to four last year.

Meanwhile, officer in charge at Tlokweng Border Post, Mr Odumetse Lepang praised travellers who used that boarder post during the holidays for their cooperation. He said all parents who crossed with children had necessary affidavits detailing whom those children they were as required by the law.

Mr Lepang said although there were peak hours, they were able to satisfactorily service travellers as they were working on shifts.

A Burundian national was returned because he did not have a visa while a South African was charged for exceeding the 90 days residence limit.

At least 26 367 people crossed at the boarder and 12 924 of them were arrivals while 13 443 were those departing. Last year the boarder registered 23 683 travellers during the same period and 12 339 were arrivals while 11 344 were departures. ENDS