Africa-Press – Botswana. Magistrate III, Ms Tshegofatso Bakgomogi says a memorial service held in honour of the late Principal Magistrate Segametsi Basinyi was an opportunity to reflect on the time shared with her and to acknowledge the impact she had during her life.
Speaking on Wednesday during a memorial service of Basinyi(44), who died on Sunday, Ms Bakgomogi said the moment allowed them to pause, reflect and acknowledge the significance of a life well lived.
“A memorial service is not only a time for remembrance but also a chance for us to find closure,” she said.
She said the loss affected people differently and advised that as they go through the memorial service, they should respect the amount of emotions that came with saying goodbye.
Another speaker, Regional Magistrate-Northern Region, Ms Basetsana Keakantse said though they were shattered by the sudden death of Basinyi, they would continue to respect the will of God. Ms Keakantse said they would remember their late colleague for the good memories they had and shared.
“To Masunga Magistrate’s Court staff, prosecutors and Court Orderly, I know you are completely shattered beyond description,” she said, adding that they should allow themselves to grieve and talk about their good interactions with the late Basinyi.
She acknowledged the Masunga community, other villages, all stakeholders and those who worked with the late Basinyi for the good and a cordial working relation until her time of demise.
For her part, North East District Commissioner, Ms Wame Samapipi said Basinyi believed in things being done in an orderly manner. Ms Samapipi said the deceased was about to complete her ninth year in the district and wondered if she had never considered asking for transfer looking at the fact that her duty was not safe for one to stay in one station for a long time.
“We lived together and for a short period of eight months, I realised that she was somebody that I could rely on to do what we were employed to do together,” she said.
Tutume Police Station Commander, Superintendent Lesego Kgosiemang said prosecutors from his station would sometimes arrive very late from court saying they had to attend a trial handled by Basinyi, which started at 5pm.
This, he said was a testimony to her dedication to work.
“She worked well with Station Commanders as she was always willing to assist them with information and everything they wanted that includes extension of warrants of arrest done over the weekends or public holidays,” he said
He said the deceased was very strict when it came to cases that involved youngsters as she conducted them with the utmost diligence and if the accused did not behave well during trials, they would face the bitter end of the law.
Principal Clerk of Coyrt, Mr Nzhi Moalosi said the deceased could work without complaining with limited resources.
He said the deceased was a dedicated supervisor, who used to come up with initiatives they would implement.
North East District Council Secretary, Mr Leboile Israel, said the deceased always made sure that her work was completed and believed in productivity.
Family representative, Ms Oarabile Lekoni, said her cousin was a loving person who treated all equally, adding that she was full of love and was forever smiling and took care of many in the family.
Ms Lekoni said Basinyi inspired her, as she was a hard worker.
“Basinyi was always eager to see other people grow,” she said, adding that she valued her life and the memories they shared together and urged Masunga Magistrate’s Court staff to carry forward the legacy and the example she set.
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