12 Mar 2023

Multitudes thronged Tshweneyagae kgotla in Molapowabojang on Saturday to pay last respects to the six people who recently perished in a road accident involving a mini bus and a truck .

Speaking during the mass funeral, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale said laws would be tightened for road offences to avoid similar accidents. 

He said road accidents were on the rise, therefore strict measures such as extensive testing before getting a driver’s license would be put in place.

Also, Minister Molale explained,  points would be deducted off a drivers’ licenses every time the holder committed a traffic offence, adding that it would be done until the license was taken from them. 

“We would ensure that laws are tightened to avoid road accidents,” he added.

These accidents, he said were caused by people hence the need for the nation to change their mindsets and start following road rules. 

“If drivers respect themselves, they would also respect traffic rules and eventually reduce accidents,” he said.

Southern District Commissioner, Mr Mompoloki Mochanang delivered President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s message to the victims’ families. 

In his message, President Masisi said the fact that all the deceased were young made it unbearable. “I wish to pass condolences to the victims’ families,”read the message. He advised residents to play their part in ensuring that the victims’ lives were memorable.

Kgosi Kedirile Letshabo of Molapowabojang said accidents were caused by not obeying road signs, adding “drivers should understand that they are not only driving their vehicles, but other vehicles on the roads,” he said.

“I urge drivers to follow all road traffic rules to reduce accidents on our roads,” he said. 

He advised public transport operators to always remember that passengers  were their source of income, hence the need to ensure their safety.

For his part, Director of Education in the Southern district, Mr Acronews Maseko said the accident was an unfortunate situation, which had saddened the nation. He appealed to Batswana to continue praying for protection.

He said the death was not only a loss to the deceased’s families but the nation at large. 

“These children were supposed to be our future leaders,” he said. Ends