Africa-Press – Botswana. The remains of the Limpopo bus crash victims will be buried on Saturday ( May 4) at Garanta Cemetery in Molepolole while the bus driver will be buried at his home village, Thamaga, same day.
Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng thus announced when briefing grieving families April 29.
Minister Morwaeng also revealed that all due processes in South Africa had been completed, and the bodies would leave Polokwane, South Africa, April 30 at 10am, to arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, at 11am.
He further disclosed that the remains of the victims would be brought in sealed caskets, preventing the families from viewing the bodies as that would be insensitive, given the impact of the crash and the resulting fire.
The minister emphasised that the decision to seal the caskets was made in consultation with authorities in South Africa.
Minister Morwaeng further stated that the bereaved families would be allowed to hold memorial services for their loved ones on Friday (May 3), the day before the funeral. He explained that during these memorial services, families would be able to receive the caskets containing the remains of their loved ones for a brief period, allowing for a private moment of farewell and reflection.
Mr Morwaeng stressed that the caskets would need to be returned to the mortuary at the end of each memorial service, and the remains would then be transported to Molepolole Sports Complex for the funeral ceremony on Saturday morning.
Minister Morwaeng further revealed that the funeral proceedings would be broadcast live on various media platforms, allowing the nation to grieve and pay its respects to the victims alongside the families.
He stated that after the funeral service at the Molepolole Sports Complex, the victims’ remains would be taken to their final resting place at Garanta Cemetery. To prevent congestion and maintain a solemn and respectful atmosphere, only the bereaved families and invited dignitaries would be allowed to attend the burial ceremony at the grave yard.
In their response, the families of the victims expressed profound gratitude to government for their unwavering support during this difficult time.
“We are deeply moved and humbled by the immense support provided by the government,” said one family representative, Mr Kabelo Selome. He further said the financial assistance and the kindness that they had received had made an indelible impression in their hearts, and were immensely grateful for the understanding and compassion shown to them during this difficult time.
Other family members added that words could not express the gratitude they felt towards the government for standing by them and alleviating some of their burden.
Member of Parliament for Molepolole North, Mr Oabile Regoeng extended his heartfelt appreciation to the bereaved families for their patience and composure ever since the tragedy struck a month ago.
“I commend you for handling yourselves with dignity and grace in this challenging time,” he said.
He also extended his gratitude to the government for taking swift and decisive action to relieve the burden from the families.
“In times of grief like this, the strength of our community, our faith in the Lord, and our solidarity with one another become paramount,” he said.
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