Thousands pay last respects to 'beloved' Lelatisitswe
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday August 13, 2025 08:37
The funeral drew prominent dignitaries, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse, former president Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, former vice president Slumber Tsogwane, Boteti East MP and Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Keoagile Atamelang, Chief Whip Sam Digwa, BDP president Mpho Balopi, among others.
The late Lelatisitswe was remembered fondly by many as a loving father, visionary leader, and kind-hearted individual who touched numerous lives. His legacy and impact on the community were celebrated during the ceremony.
When sharing the family's account of events leading to 'Mr Projects' death, his brother, Moisiraele Lelatisitswe, said that he received a call from their sister, stating that Sethomo had assaulted someone in Gaborone after a misunderstanding.
'We tried to contact him, but he didn't respond to phone calls, and the family began searching for him,' he said.
He indicated that they also got a call from the police that someone had brought a phone belonging to Lelatisitswe, which was picked up at the Mmokolodi turnoff.
'Maybe he threw the phone out so that he couldn't be tracked. We called all his friends asking about his whereabouts until we learned about his passing,' he added.
He also said that they discovered on social media that Lelatisitswe was wanted for attempted murder and, shockingly, also found out about his passing on the same platform.
Lelatisitswe's emotionally distressed nephew, Kabo Lelatisitswe, expressed that he was unaware of his uncle's struggles.
He recalled that his uncle called and asked him to visit the house, where, upon arrival, he shared his grievances with him.
'I promised that I would stay by his side in good times and bad. I thought he was getting better,' he added.
Kabo stated that before the incident, he had travelled to South Africa, and before his death, they had a long phone call.
He said that he was stunned to learn about his passing on social media, and that it was after that he received a call from Central police officers.
'I went to the station, and I was told my uncle took his own life. We went to Lobatse for identification, and the officers with me could tell I was heartbroken. It was hard, and they comforted me,' he added.
Lelatisitswe's elder sister, Keboitse Lelatisitswe, described him as a breadwinner and a father figure to them who ensured his family was provided for.
She said he treated all his siblings equally.
'Last week, he took me to Palapye to resolve some of the misunderstandings he was having,' Keboitse said.
His daughter, Mandisa Lelatisitswe, thanked everyone who came because their presence meant a lot to her family.
She stated that her father was the people's person.
She indicated that she looked up to her father for his kindness, love, and wisdom.
'Papa, thank you for everything you did for me. I will continue to do everything we spoke about and won't let you down. I will forever be your little girl, and I love you so much,' she continued.
In a message, his former partner, Dimpho Lelatisitswe said that she was keen on finding a partner to grow old with, and when she met handsome ST in November 2014, as she passionately called him, it was love at first sight.
'The love gifted me beautiful children. We stayed 528km apart, but ST made sure he came for the weekends to check on us, family, friends, and his constituents. We were good friends and loved each other. We had our ups and downs, but we were close and made great memories together, which I shall forever be grateful for,' she told the mourners.
She further said that Lelatisitswe's unkind and unexpected painful death had left her in pain.
She stated that ST was loved and cherished by his children, and what pained her was that the children were expecting him on the same day, but only God knows.
Dimpho believed that ST would be watching over them and promised to continue being a great mother to their beautiful children.