Makaleng arson victims laid to rest
19 Jan 2025
Mourners among them Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Lesego Chombo, assistant ministers for State President, and of Higher Education, Ms Maipelo Mophuting and Mr Justin Hunyepa respectively, on Saturday attended a funeral service in Makaleng for the three victims who died in an arson attack on January 8.
The trio are Ms Opatile Nthoka (31), her son Tlotlo Nthoka (4) and a cousin, Ms Kaone Nthoka (20) who died when their house was set on fire, allegedly by Ms Nthoka’s boyfriend in the early hours of that fateful day.
The boyfriend, a murder ex-convict from Thini Ward in Tutume subsequently committed suicide and was found hanging from a nearby tree later on the same day he allegedly committed the incident.
Speaking at the funeral, Ms Chombo condemned the brutal killings that particularly targeted defenseless women and children, and called for the nation to pray against such.
Minister Chombo implored the nation to put God first in all that they did because the fear of the Lord was the beginning of wisdom and love which were essential to building a peaceful Botswana.
She emphasised President Advocate Duma Boko’s government commitment to protect human rights hence said, the right to life was fundamental and therefore, Gender-Gased Violence (GBV) had no place in society.
Mr Hunyepa, who is also the area MP, expressed a deep concern over the rising number of children who got killed in the country.
He said the phenomenon was devastating and created widespread fear and anxiety within communities and called for a need to find an urgent solution to the scourge as it was a violation of human dignity.
“It dehumanises victims, stripping them of their sense of safety, self-worth and control over their own lives,” said Mr Hunyepa.
He said the physical and emotional scars inflicted by GBV could be lasting, impacting every facet of a survivor’s existence, from their relationships and mental health to their economic opportunities.
The devastating consequences of GBV extend far beyond the immediate victim, Mr Hunyepa said and added that families and communities were shattered by the trauma and loss while the social fabric was weakened by the pervasive fear and insecurity it created.
Mr Hunyepa said addressing the crisis required a multifaceted approach that included prevention, support for survivors and the vigorous prosecution of perpetrators.
Kgosi Thuso Ramokate of Makaleng expressed heartfelt gratitude to the residents for supporting the bereaved family, noting that the loss of three live was devastating and impossible to bear. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Thamani Shabani
Location : Makaleng
Event : Funeral
Date : 19 Jan 2025