Africa-Press – Botswana. Parents have been advised to unite and take care of children to ensure their safety as they would always engage in risky behaviour.
The advice was given by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday when visiting the families of two Sebina Primary School pupils who drowned in the Shashe River on February 2.
“These kinds of tragedies are seasonal as they normally occur during rainy seasons. You must come together and guard risky places such as ponds and rivers to safeguard children’s lives,” he said.
Bernard Samuel, who was in Standard Five and Morekolodi Hlabile, Standard Six, both of Sebina’s Matapudza ward, reportedly ventured out to play after school on the day in question.
A passerby who was crossing the river from Matenge to Sebina around six that evening reported spotting a body floating and in the ensuing search, the second body was found at the bottom of the river.
“We are here to deliver our deepest sympathy and unwavering support,” said President Masisi.
He described the loss as heartbreaking and overwhelming especially since the two were still young and had their whole lives ahead of them.
President Masisi said the pain of loss was worsened by the fact that their demise was unexpected.
Thanking the President, Mr Wilfred Boitshwarelo, grandfather to Bernard, said the family was comforted by Dr Masisi’s presence.
Morekolodi’s uncle, Mr Bapoga Ramaotwana, also expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and his message of condolences.
Concurring, Shashe West MP Mr Fidelis Molao said the President’s presence was not only comforting to the bereaved families but to the people of Sebina as a whole.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Neo, Minister of Finance Ms Peggy Serame and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
The two boys were laid to rest on Saturday.
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