Rough landing for pioneering fighter pilot

Col Seduke
Col Seduke

He survived bruising battles, dodging bullets as Botswana fought to ward off the Rhodesian army’s invasion, particularly in villages along the Zimbabwe border. He flew two of Botswana’s presidents and once evacuated immediate past president, Ian Khama in a career spanning 26 years. But now, as battle-weary, retired colonel, Jagamang Seduke prepares for what should be a deserved golden sunset, he faces yet another draining battle, writes MQONDISI DUBE

A Botswana Defence Force (BDF) aircraft flew low and mistakenly touched down at a landing strip in Nswazwi, a village in Zimbabwe, near the Botswana border. This was pre-independence Zimbabwe, during a period of hostilities when some parts of Botswana, particularly along the border, were under siege from the Rhodesian forces. The plane could have been blown into pieces or the pilot captured as a prisoner of war.  A group of Rhodesian police officers began advancing on the plane, having noticed it was not one of theirs. In the twinkling of an eye, the plane was airborne and both the pilot and the aircraft were safe.

Colonel Jagamang Seduke, one of Botswana’s first four fighter pilots, was in the cockpit, and was to survive several other attacks as he diligently navigated the skies during a volatile period, just before Zimbabwe’s independence in the late 1970s.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up