14 Nov 2015

The Vice President called on Batswana and stakeholders to stand with the affected families. He promised that government would do everything in its power to support victims and their families.

The Vice President said government would have to make major decisions regarding safety to mitigate mishaps such as this one.  He commended officials who responded swiftly to assist the victims.
When visiting Matsha College students hospitalised at Princess Marina on Saturday, Mr Masisi said after what had happened,  there was need for reflections to ensure that all emergency apparatus were working.

“Some decisions will have to be taken that will not necessarily cost government or people money, but care, and we will enforce and live up to it,” Mr Masisi said.

The students were part of the 126 students that were involved in a road accident near Dutlwe while being transported home after completing their form five examinations. Most of them were from remote area dwellers settlements of Sorilatholo, Salajwe and Takatokwane in the Kweneng District.

Princess Marina superintendent, Dr Kelebogile Motumise, said some patients were showing signs of improvement as some had started to sit up and speak to medical authorities. He said Marina received a total of 31 children and two were transferred to Gaborone Private Hospital while one was at Bokamoso as at Saturday.

The Vice President also met families of the deceased students and also visited those admitted at Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole. In Molepolole, he assured parents and students that government would ensure they get proper medical attention.

He said there was no time to apportion blame, but rather to unite to assist the affected families. The VP also passed message of condolences from President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama to the bereaved families.

For his part Minister in the Office of the President, Mr Eric Molale, said the disaster management office was already in action and had instructed the district commissioner’s office in Molepolole to buy toiletry, food hampers and clothing and transporting parents who came to check their kids back home as part of relief measures. Ends