11 Apr 2016

Loving, full of life, committed were some of the many sweet words speakers used to describe Kgosi Mokgabisi Selerio who was laid to rest in Lotlhakane East on Saturday.

Perhaps his name Mokgabisi, a Setswana vernacular for decoration best encapsulates the life of the late chief representative of Mokgomane in the Southern District.

Until he succumbed to diabetes a week ago at the age of 76, Mr Selerio lived a vibrant and purposeful life.

Bangwaketse deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Kebapetswe Telekelo, recollection of Mr Selerio was that of a straight talker who loathed mischief.

Particularly impressive to Kgosi Telekelo was Mr Selerio’s commitment to duty; something he said greatly reduced the number of appeal cases coming from Mokgomane. 

His passing, he underscored, was not only a loss to the family but a blow to both the tribal administration.

Ms Thokgamo Selerio, who spoke on behalf of the children, was thankful his late father ably fended for his family well until his demise.

She was especially comforted by the fact that his late father, an ardent reader of newspapers had of recent developed a deep relationship with his maker.

“To everyone’s amazement, he had of late developed a penchant to read the holy bible,” she said.

 Kgosi Selerio joined the then Police Mobile Unit in 1961 and proceeded to the rank of Assistant Superintendent; marking 30 long years of service. 

He would then have a short stint at Botswana Building Society under security services before becoming a chief representative in 2001. 

Due to ill-health, Mr Selerio decided to quit chieftainship on January 27, 2016. 

He leaves behind a wife, seven children and eight grandchildren. Ends