30 Mar 2020

Four youngsters aged between 17 and 20 years have died in a road mishap involving three cars at Mmopane turn off on March 28.

Speaking in an interview, Mogoditshane Police Station Commander, Superintendent Russ Letsebe confirmed that the accident happened after three motor vehicles collided resulting in the death of two people on the spot, while two others died at the hospital on March 29. 

He stated that the fatal accident occurred when a Runx motor vehicle carrying five passengers, four males and one female aged between 17 and 20 years hit a Toyota Land Cruiser on the side.

It is alleged the Runx was coming from Molepolole while the Toyota Land Cruiser was coming from Mogoditshane and had just made a right turn into Metsimotlhabe-Mmopane turnoff by the traffic lights when the Runx hit it.

Superintendent Letsebe has further alleged that following the impact, the two motor vehicles collided with another vehicle, Prado, and hit it at the back.

The land cruiser had  one passenger, a Botswana Defence Force  officer, who sustained serious injuries and is recuperating at Bokamoso Private Hospital while the only passenger in the Prado escaped unhurt. 

The fifth passenger in the Runx, was rushed to Bokamoso Private Hospital as he sustained minor injuries and had since been discharged.

The names of the deceased are still withheld until their families are notified.

Superintendent Letsebe said traffic lights at the junction were not working at the time of the accident. 

He said investigations were ongoing to establish what might have caused the accident.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Letsebe said the number of serious road accidents had abated in March save for one last week, which involved an ambulance and three other motor vehicles on the Gaborone-Kanye road.

He, however, said since government imposed stringent measures this month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the police in Mogoditshane had realised that some people did not comply with stipulated regulations.

He said there were still those who sold alcohol unlawfully and those who drink alcohol in ungazetted places such as open spaces.

He warned those defying the measures put in place that they would face the wrath of the law. Ends