01 Feb 2018

Following the tragedy that befell Gumare where an accident claimed six lives, government decided to supported the affected families financially with the sum of P5 000 each household.

North West deputy district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka said the funds were approved by cabinet as part of aid that had already been in place since day one.

He said government, through the office of the district commissioner in Gumare, had also allocated social workers to each of the bereaved families for counselling and emotional support.

The district commissioner’s office has also provided tents and continues to deliver firewood at every grieving family.

Meanwhile, multitudes descended on the Gumare kgotla in a somber mood where the memorial service for all the deceased was held.

Speaking at the memorial service, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Kgopotso Ramoroka said although it was sad to loose loved ones, the Gumare United players who died should be celebrated as heroes because they departed while doing what could have uplifted their lives and even the village itself.

He said the calamity did not only affect the families alone, but also the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development as they were the implementers of the constituency tournament.

He said it was sad that a promising team such as Gumare United lost six players through death, adding that it was evident that the team was one of the best as it once reached the national finals of the constituency league.

The sixth victim, who was 18 years, reportedly took his last breath on Wednesday at Nyangagwe Referral Hospital where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

On another issue, Mr Ramoroka said the ministry took a decision to halt all activities related to the constituency tournament in the area during the mourning period.

He said the ministry would see how best it could help teams participating in constituency tournaments with transport.

For his part, Gumare Police Station commander, Supt Dennis Zilawe pleaded with motorists using the Mohembo/Sehithwa road to be vigilant as the road was in a bad state with many potholes.

Supt Zilawe was not happy with the way people drove on the road, noting that sometimes when other drivers reduced speed for potholes, others restlessly drove past them at high speed.

He also urged people to avoid travelling at night on the Mohembo/Sehithwa road as there was a high movement of animals on the road. He also noted that driver’s vision was impaired at night. ENDS