Brutal murder shocks UB staff
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday June 17, 2025 10:32
The incident, which sent shockwaves across the university community, occurred reportedly just after the former intimate partners had appeared before a magistrate, with the deceased seeking a restraining order against the suspect. UB spokesperson, Dr Faith Rapuleng- Tuelo, said it was deeply distressing that such an event struck at the very core of the institution of highest learning community. 'We stand united in sorrow and extend our unwavering support to all those affected,' she said in a statement to The Monitor. 'The University is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies, who are rigorously pursuing every avenue to bring clarity and justice in this matter.' Following the incident, Rapuleng- Tuelo assured that the safety, dignity and well-being of students and staff remained UB’s highest priority.
To this end, she said the University has activated comprehensive counselling and support services for any members of their community grappling with the shock and grief of the tragic loss of their own.
She further stated that the UB unequivocally ‘condemns all forms of GBV acts’ and will continue to raise awareness as this incident serves as a sheer reminder of the urgency to eradicate such atrocities.
'UB remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and will provide updates on relevant developments as appropriate.
'May we all come together in compassion and solidarity during this difficult time,' she added.
Meanwhile, the University of Botswana Academic and Support Staff Union (UBASSU) has condemned the act.
The union said in a statement that, based on the information available to them, the colleague was murdered on campus by someone believed to have been close to her.
“As a union, we condemn in the strongest terms possible such unbridled brutality which has not only robbed us of a dear colleague, but a mother, aunt, sister, and relative to her loved ones.
“We are appalled by any act of gender-based violence in our society and call upon all citizens to join hands in fighting what has obviously become a national pandemic,” UBASSU said in the statement.
The murder incident comes at a time when the Ntlo Ya Dikgosi is conducting a GBV workshop to equip tribal leaders with the necessary knowledge to address the scourge and related issues. Equally, after recognising that GBV continues to pose a significant threat to the harmony, health, and dignity of individuals in Botswana, the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs is hosting a National Week of Prayer Against GBV from June 13 to 23, 2025.
The initiative aims to mobilise nationwide spiritual solidarity and raise awareness of GBV in all its forms. Youth and Gender Minister Lesego Chombo officially launched the campaign in Lentsweletau last week.