01 Dec 2022

 The body of Lance Corporal Zikamee Kamai, who died in Mozambique on Tuesday has been repatriated.

  “Kamai unfortunately met his ultimate death in the area of Nkonga, Nangade in the Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique,” Colonel Siphiwo Gerald Mphahlwa said upon the body’s arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport yesterday.

 Delivering a statement on behalf of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) leadership, he said the deceased soldier was deployed with Botswana Defence Force’s third SAMIM contingent.

Lance Corporal Kamai and his team, comprising Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Lesotho forces, on November 29 went on an offensive patrol made contact with a terrorist defensive position in Nkonga, said Col. Mphahlwa.

He said a lengthy engagement ensued with the terrorists suffering maximum fatalities but unfortunately Lance Corporal Kamai was shot in the leg and succumbed to death as a result of excessive bleeding.

“It is indeed an unfortunate and somber moment for all of us at the SAMIM Force. The SAMIM leadership would like to thank the BDF fraternity for affording them an opportunity to serve with Lance Corporal Kamai,” said Col. Mphahlwa.

  Col. Mphahlwa noted that the soldier died on a mission to liberate the people of Cabo Delgado Province having been chosen to be part of SAMIM Force because of his prowess as a commando who selflessly served and represented his country well beyond its borders.

  Meanwhile, the deceased’s older brother and family spokesperson, Mr Andrew Kamai has described his younger sibling’s demise as a heavy blow to the family. 

“It is a difficult time for us, we are trying to cope with the loss and we will forever miss him,” he said.

Mr Kamai said even though the family was grieving, they believed the fallen soldier’s life was worth celebrating. 

“He served diligently as a solider representing the interest of the family and of the nation as a whole,” he said.

Mr Kamai disclosed that the deceased had been delighted at the opportunity to represent Botswana and the SADC region in Cabo Delgado. 

“He was a hardworking young man who was committed to his family and work. A man who has a strong attachment with his work. He served his purpose on earth and fought a good fight,” said Mr Kamai. 

Mr Kamai said funeral arrangements were ongoing and that he will be laid to rest at his home village of Kareng.

Among the dignitaries who were at the airport to receive the body were Minister for State President also acting for his foreign affairs colleague, Mr Kabo Morwaeng, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Ngami MP, Mr Kainangura Hikuama, senior members of the BDF and other senior government officials.  

ENDS