29 Nov 2016

Member of Parliament (MP) for Tlokweng, Ms Same Bathobakae has died.

The MP was found motionless at her residence in Tlokweng on Monday. The deceased brother, Mr Lapologang Bathobakae in an interview said the family was alerted about the MP’s non- attendance of Parliament session by fellow parliamentarians on Monday.

He said the family members proceeded to her residence where they found doors locked and keys inside, and they forced the doors open and found her lying motionless on her bed.

Mr Bathobakae said her sister did not show any signs of having struggled and added that the deceased did not show any signs of ill health.

He said the family suspect that the Member of Parliament could have died on Sunday night as her daughter was with her on Sunday evening.

Tlokweng police station commander, Superintendent Robson Maleka confirmed that the deceased was found motionless at her home and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Superintendent Maleka said preliminary investigations rule out any foul play as there were no signs to suggest otherwise.

He said the police arrived at the scene around 7 pm after being called to the scene by the relatives.

The MP who was born on July 2, 1956 has been a member of the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF). She rose through the party ranks and was once constituency secretary, BNF Women’s League secretary general, BNF secretary general and BNF vice president before being elected MP. Ms Bathobakae was Tlokweng South councillor since 2004 and was once South East District Council chairperson.

Sometimes referred to as Kwankwetla, Ms Bathobakae won the Tlokweng constituency under the Umbrella for Democratic Change ticket during the 2014 general elections.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Mr Duma Boko has officially announced the death of the MP.

Addressing members of the media, Mr Boko, who is also Botswana National Front (BNF) leader, did not divulge details of how she died but said it was a regrettable and a sad moment to be announcing the death of one of their own.

Mr Boko noted that the late Ms Bathobakae was a pillar of strength and inspiration for many and believed in social justice for all, noting that her contribution in different capacities can never be over overstated because they will never be forgotten.

MP Bathobakae was the only woman MP for the opposition while the remaining five are from the ruling party.

Meanwhile Mr Boko has suspended all party activities until the funeral has taken place. ENDS