20 Feb 2017

The late Captain Lebogang Dinyao has been described as a dedicated and committed soldier who died in the line of duty.

At a funeral marked by fanfare from his army fellows in Serowe on Saturday, various speakers said the deceased was one whose love for excellence was beyond reproach.

Captain Dinyao was charged with flying President and other high ranking government officials in a career spanning 15 years of flying.

Major General Mpho Mophuting shared with those who came to pay their last respects that the deceased, who was also a trainer, spent six years flying a plane that unfortunately took his life by crashing.

However, Major General Mophuting promised that investigations were under way to determine the cause of the crash that claimed three lives.

“We really don’t know what happened, but it is our responsibility to investigate the cause,” he said and highlighted that it was only after investigations that the matter would be put to rest.

He explained that investigations relating to the nature of the accident in question usually took time, taking swipe at those who take to social media to share information that was not true about the accident.

He said social media had broken all communication protocols, a view shared by area Member of Parliament, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.

The Serowe South MP appealed to all social media users, especially facebookers, to desist from spreading rumours about people’s deaths before immediate family members are informed.

She called on family members, in particular the deceased’s parents to take pride in having raised a dedicated and productive man, who died in the line of duty.

His friend in the army, Captain Nicholas Tiro described the man popularly known as ‘Scuba’ as a pilot who flew with passion and enthuse.

“During training, Captain Dinyao acted like an astute swimmer only to prove unlearned in the field of swimming when thrown in the deep end,” Captain Tiro said when talking of the lighter moments during their days in the army.

In their routine discharge of duties, Captain Tiro revealed that Scuba would constantly tell him ‘ska wara milaity’ (don’t worry, little brother) whenever he committed error, saying all would be well.

However, on a sad note Captain Tiro talked of a troubled soul that he was when learning of the untimely demise of his friend.

“Prior to his demise, Captain Dinyao switched duties, opting to take the Friday shift over the Thursday one,” Captain Tiro said.
He wished deceased’s children to live their lives with love.

Captain Dinyao, who was scheduled to be upgraded, is survived by his wife Osenotse. The two were joined in holy matrimony in October 2015 and have been blessed with two girls. Born in February 1984, Captain Dinyao joined the Botswana Defence Force in 2004 and did basic flying course in 2005 until 2007. He attained an air transport license in 2006 in South Africa. BOPA