Dibete police investigate death incident
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday May 13, 2026 06:00
According to police, the deceased had not been seen for some time in the morning, something that forced his farm worker to check on him.
The worker reportedly tried to wake him up but received no response. He then opened the tent and found the man still lying inside motionless and reported the matter to the police.
Confirming the incident, Dibete Police Station Commander Keoagile Tau, said they do not suspect foul play in the matter. He explained that a traditional heater, commonly known as an mbaula, was found next to the deceased inside the tent.
“We have since established that he went to sleep carrying a mbaula to warm himself. 'It is extremely dangerous to sleep with an mbaula because its primary risk is carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when the house is closed. 'In this case, he had zipped himself inside the tent with the mbaula,” Tau said.
Tau pleaded with members of the public to avoid sleeping with heaters, particularly in enclosed spaces, as this could be fatal.
He said police continue to sensitise the public every winter season about the dangers of using mbaulas and other heaters throughout the night whilst sleeping.
Tau further noted that cases of people losing their lives due to mbaula-related incidents are common during winter.