Volume 60 December 2024 : Feature

On May 4, 2024 at 1.38pm local time, a sombre moment was forever etched in history. Forty-four hearse drivers stand solemnly beside an equal number of graves. Like soldiers awaiting orders, they followed the clergymen’s instructions.

In perfect harmony, they guided the 44 coffins to descend and touch the base of the graves, each wail and sob from families, relatives, the public and dignitaries echoing the enormity of the moment.

The last time Batswana united in such a heart-wrenching mourning was in 1978 after Rhodesian forces ambushed Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers in February 27, resulting in the deaths of 15 soldiers and two civilians.

According to an article by Yolanda Nkonjera in the DailyNews dated April 16, 2014, the fallen heroes were honoured with a final resting place in Gaborone Extension 14 cemetery on March 2, while one civilian was laid to rest in his home village of Lesoma.

History tragically repeated itself this year, this time with almost triple the number of victims compared to the Lesoma incident.

On the eve of Easter holidays, tragedy struck as a bus bound for Moria, South Africa, carrying members of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) from Botswana, met a devastating fate.

Plunging off a 50-meter bridge near Mamatlakala in Limpopo Province, the bus erupted into flames, claiming the lives of 45 out of the 46 passengers aboard.

The news spread swiftly, leaving the nation in disbelief and sorrow. Former president  Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, addressing the nation on Good Friday morning, confirmed the heartbreaking news, urging the country to unite in prayer.

“The government of Botswana is expressing deepest condolences to ZCC members from Molepolole who were on a pilgrimage for Easter holidays. A total of 45 people perished in the accident with one eight-year old survivor. I urge all Christians and followers of other faiths to pray for healing and closure,” he stated.

The taxing journey would then begin with the then Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng, sharing insights with Kutlwano on the instrumental role the government played in the intricate process of identifying, repatriating and dignifying the farewell of the 44 St Engenas ZCC members and the Eloyi Christian Church member who was the driver.

The South African Police Service, says Mr Morwaeng, initiated the process, conducting search and rescue operations before informing the Botswana High Commission in Pretoria.

“Subsequently, our High Commission alerted authorities back in Botswana. Botswana Police Service, in collaboration with the Immigration Department and the St Engenas ZCC church in Molepolole, commenced the task of tracing the travelers’ origins and names to aid in identification,” he notes.

Utilising fingerprints and DNA where necessary, authorities embarked on the crucial task of identifying the victims.

Mr Morwaeng says families were also engaged, sometimes physically, in the identification process in Mokopane, South Africa prior to repatriation.

On April 30, all the deceased touched down home and the 44 were laid to rest in Molepolole on May 4 while the driver was interred in his home village of Thamaga.

Given the financial strain involved in the process, the minister said Motlamedi Disaster Emergency Fund was established to provide financial aid in-kind assistance, covering expenses such as repatriation and burial preparations.

Among various expenditures, repatriation encompassing costs associated with coffins, embalming and related services totaled P3million.

The transportation was facilitated by BDF with additional support from Air Botswana through a generous donation.

Additionally, the minister says burial preparations, including logistics, catering, and protocol arrangements amounted to P2 644 000.

The Kutlwano team joined mourners who gathered in significant numbers to bid farewell to two of the victims, a vibrant couple of Khumo and Richboy Relaeng, aged 41and 56 respectively.

However, due to restrictions, only a limited number of 50 mourners per deceased were permitted for the burial.

Strategically positioned were essential emergency vehicles; ready to provide support to those overwhelmed by grief.

Despite the sombre atmosphere, speakers took turns celebrating the couple’s humble, loving nature and their active involvement in community work.Richboy, who was employed as a driver at Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), and his wife, who served as a cleaner at Ministry of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture offices in Gaborone, were laid to rest alongside 42 fellow pilgrims at Ga Ranta cemetery in Molepolole on May 4.

Before the burial, mourners braved the chilly morning air to gather at Molepolole Sports Complex as early as 5am for a mass funeral service.

Against a backdrop of 45 neatly arranged coffins and 45 waiting hearses, friends and family seized the opportunity to take pictures, as viewing of the deceased in their coffins was not possible.

Amongst dignitaries was the then vice-President and acting president  Slumber Tsogwane, the then MP for Molepolole North, Mr Oabile Regoeng, Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena, St Engenas ZCC representative, Moruti Peter Manthata, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi, Minister and Head of Generale Botswana, St Engenas ZCC and a South African Delegation led by then Limpopo Province Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

Dr Ramathuba received a standing ovation when she was introduced. She played an instrumental role in ensuring that the sole eight-year-old survivor received all necessary healthcare, visited the accident scene and also paid a visit to the survivor here in Botswana.

With all said and done, the procession of 44 hearses made its way to Garanta cemetery, while one traveled 40 kilometres (km) to Thamaga for the separate burial of the bus driver, Ogaufi Noonyane.

At Garanta cemetery, gravediggers stood ready with shovels and spades as usual.

Following a brief service led by clergymen, they began filling the graves, leaving the area veiled in a cloud of dust - a sad reminder of Ecclesiastes 3:20, “All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.”

Filling the 44 graves proved to be a strenuous task, two JCB often known as yellow monsters during demolitions of squatters’ structures, stood nearby and promptly took over, emitting dark clouds of smoke, symbolising the somber reality that had befallen the nation of Botswana.

Ultimately, Minister Morwaeng says even though the victims did not perish in their line of duty, the place will be secured for prosperity. He emphasises the need for prioritising safety during travel, especially holidays.

He says the tragic incident underscores the importance of preparedness for mass casualty events.

Thus, he clarifies that Motlamedi Emergency Fund, initiated by providing financial assistance in this case, aims to support mass casualty victims with a threshold of 10 people or more and a committee will be appointed to manage the fund and develop guidelines. ENDS

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