25 Apr 2016

South East District Council (SEDC) deputy chairperson, Mr Molemi Rakgomo has died.

Mr Rakgomo, who was the councillor for Kelemogile ward in Ramotswa constituency, committed suicide on Sunday morning, according to the police.

Ramotswa police station commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi said in an interview that the deceased was found hanging about 500 metres from A1 road around Mmokolodi turn.

Although investigations about the matter were ongoing, Superintendent Phadi said the deceased had sent a short messages service (sms) to his brother-in-law and brother directing them to where he intended to commit suicide.

Furthermore, he said Mr Rakgomo who won the Kelemogile ward under the Botswana Congress Party during the previous elections, in his sms message said he had been troubled emotionally since last year, which affected him to deliver on his community duties.

He added that the last person to be in contact with the deceased said there was nothing unusual when they parted prior to the incident.

 In addition, Superintendent Phadi said that was the third suicide incident in his policing area this year and he encouraged people to seek guidance from police, social workers, district commissioner and other relevant authorities when they have troubles.

Mr Rakgomo was on his second term as councillor in the South East District Council and was elected to deputise, Mr Phenyo Segokgo after the 2014 elections. BOPA