01 Apr 2024

As Easter Friday began, Botswana was shaken by the news of a fatal bus crash that left 45 people dead.

The 45 people and the surviving 8-year-old child were part  of St. Egenas church members who were on a pilgrimage to Moria,  South Africa.

The nation is in mourning as details of the horrific accident emerge. This was a tragic start to what should have been a joyous holiday.

On the afternoon of Easter Friday, Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng expressed his devastation over the news of the horrific accident on behalf of the President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi whom he said was equally heartbroken.

Mr Morwaeng, who was speaking during a media briefing  at the Kweneng District Council Chambers in Molepolole, emphasised the shock and disbelief felt by many close family members and the entire nation as the tragic news sank in.

“This is a devastating event that has no precedent in Botswana’s history,” Mr Morwaeng said somberly.

He said the unprecedented nature of the tragedy and its impact on the nation.

Mr Morwaeng also explained that President Masisi had sent a delegation, including himself, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Commissioner of Police, Ms Dinah Marathe accompanied by Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena, and other senior officials and civic leaders, to Molepolole.

The delegation was tasked with delivering an official announcement of the deaths to ZCC members and the families of the victims.

He however, urged the public to remain calm and respectful of the grieving families as they mourn their loved ones. He added that government would provide support to the families in any way possible.

For his part, Minister Mmusi explained that earlier in the day (Friday) President Masisi had called a high-level meeting of some cabinet ministers and other top government officials to discuss the tragedy.

The meeting, he said,determined that the President would make a special broadcast on national television to console the nation and the families of the victims.  

He also explained that the delegation that was sent to Molepolole was also charged with briefing the media on the tragedy.

Mr Mmusi went on to reveal that South Africa President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, had contacted President Masisi by telephone to express his condolences and offer support to the nation.

President Ramaphosa reportedly assured President Masisi of his government’s support in all procedures and processes that had already begun.

Minister Mmusi further stated that the responsible ministries in Botswana were collaborating with their South African counterparts to facilitate all necessary procedures.

Additionally, Botswana Police and Botswana Defence Force officers have been dispatched to assist with the repatriation processes.

Mr Mmusi further urged the public to rely on official sources, such as the Botswana Police and other responsible authorities, for accurate information on the incident. He cautioned against spreading misinformation on social media, as this could cause unnecessary panic and confusion.

He emphasised the importance of relying on credible sources for information and thanked the media for its role in keeping the public informed.

Commissioner of Police Ms Marathe, stressed the need for families of the deceased to be allowed to grieve privately.

She stated that people should refrain from spreading falsehoods and urging the nation to allow the necessary procedures to take their course.

She also emphasised the importance of showing sensitivity to those who had lost loved ones, and to focus on providing comfort and support rather than spreading false. Ends