Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana has pleaded with the Gaoberekwe family to forgive government for the misfortune that befell their family.
Addressing the bereaved family in New Xade recently, Mr Ramaotwana said President Advocate Duma Boko had taken a decision that government would honour Mr Pitseng Gaoberekwe’s wishes by burying him at Metsiamanong Settlement, in Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) on December 10.
He said the decision followed a protracted battle between the family and government over the deceased’s burial at his ancestral land.
The minister added that the burial would take place during the International Human Rights Day commemoration.
Mr Ramaotwana noted that the deceased died on December 2021 in New Xade where his family had taken him for medical assistance.
He explained that after his demise, government argued that his relocation to New Xade made it appropriate for his burial site as well as that he was under the destitute programme care, something that he said his family strongly opposed, insisting on honouring the deceased’s wish to be buried at his ancestral land.
He explained that the decision to honour his wish was legitimate since the President had the executive power to supersede some court verdicts.
Mr Ramaotwana emphasised that President Boko was intent on promoting and upholding human rights by engaging the family on the matter as they were compelled to conduct the burial according to their Sesarwa culture.
Moreover, he informed them that government would bear the costs of the mortuary and other related costs, adding that because the body was in a bad state, it would be transported by air.
On other issues, he informed them that, the office of the District Commissioner in conjunction with the Council Secretary would liaise with them to ensure smooth preparation for the burial.
He also said that, governmnet was aware of their protest forwarded to human rights administrations and assured them that they would analyse it to find a common ground.
Mr Nare Gaoberekwe the deceased younger brother, expressed gratitude to the government for heeding their plea of burying the deceased at his ancestral land.
He assured the minister of their support and that they would not interfere with the government resolutions as their only wish was to see their brother being laid at his final resting place.
He however, decried that the prolonged case that caused so much delay to his brother’s burial had brought a dark cloud over their family.
“Ka ngwao ya rona, fa motho a tlhokafala tshwanelo ke gore, phakela a bo a hitlhwa, ka tumelo ya gore fa go sa nne jalo, o tlile go tsaya ba bangwe ka bongwe ka bongwe”, he said, explaining in their culture, it was believed that keeping a corpse for too long brought misfortune to the family.
Mr Gaoberekwe said they had so far buried two of their siblings while their elder brother’s body was lying in the mortuary.
He further said, despite having a lot of unanswered questions they would allow the matter to rest and at a later time they would elevate their grievances to the relevant authorities to prevent a similar case.
The family spokesperson, Mr Smith Moeti extended appreciation to President Boko, Minister Ramaotwana and their legal team for their representations that he said was done pro bono.
He also applauded the government’s resolution and commitment, saying it had given the family a sense of relief.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
