31 Dec 2018

The President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, was among multitudes of mourners who thronged Molepolole on Sunday for funeral of 37-year-old Constable Nonofo Gontse who was murdered while on duty along A1 road on Christman Eve.

Constable Gontse met his untimely death while on patrol with his female colleague. They allegedly tried to stop a motor vehicle which was driven carelessly by three unknown people.

The trio attacked the two police officers inflicting serious injuries that led to the passing on of Constable Gontse. The suspects then disappeared leaving behind the motor vehicle they were using, which was reportedly stolen in Maun.

Meanwhile, President Masisi described the killing of Constable Gontse as an act of barbarism by ruthless individuals who cut short the live of a man who was on committed to serve and protect people’s lives and their valuables.

He bemoaned situations where some members of the public harassed police officers, but the latter continued to serve with sincerity and with dedication.

 “I am however delighted by the arrest of the perpetrators and hoping they will face the might of the law and call on the bereaved family to exercise patience for the law to take its cause," President Masisi said.

On other issues he pleaded with the village leadership to help find ways on how they could guard against lawlessness and indiscipline resulting from the revised Liquor Act and he urged people to drink responsibly.

He also challenged liquor business operators to operate within stimulated times and not to abuse the dispensation.    

The acting Commissioner of Botswana Police, Mr Tapuzani Gabolekwe, described Constable Gontse who served Botswana police for 15 years as a dignified police officer who served with delight.

He decried Constable Gontse's demise, saying a young and promising life was cut short by a horrific incident.  

The deceased’s uncle Mr Moses Serape called on the government to consider revising laws that would strengthen and empower the police to use maximum force in their operations.

Constable Gontse started school at Lekgwapeng Primary School and completed cambridge at Kgosi Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary in 2000. He joined Botswana Police Service in 2002.

Upon completing his training he was posted to Kavimba in Chobe District where he served for seven years before he was transferred to Mahalapye where he served in Ttaffic branch  until he met his untimely death. ENDS