Former BNF VP found dead

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday February 2, 2016 16:26

BNF spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa confirmed that they received the news of their former vice president’s passing.

He said nothing much has been communicated as to what could have happened.

“We just received the sad news. It is true our Rre Lekoma is late,” he said.

A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Mmegi that Lekoma was staying alone and had been unwell.  “We don’t suspect any foul play.”

The MP for Goodhope-Mabule, Lotlamoreng II also confirmed the news.

“I am in Gaborone but I was informed by some comrades from the area. I will get full details later on,” Lotlamoreng said.

Yesterday afternoon in the village, dozens of Lekoma’s relatives from South Africa and Botswana had congregated for his funeral. Shocked mourners revealed that the late BNF stalwart was staying alone as his wife works in Mafikeng.  He was allegedly reported missing after failing to answer his phone for several days.

 

 

Neighbours said they broke down the door to his house after detecting an overpowering smell emanating from within. “The gates were locked however, so people believed that he was away. However, the smell became stronger and that’s when we decided to investigate,” one neighbour said.

By late yesterday afternoon, Lekoma’s relatives were burning some of the property affected by the decomposition.

Mohwasa said that Lekoma was one of the brains behind the party’s formation as he was one of those that the founder and former president of BNF, the late Kenneth Koma discussed ideas with when it was established.

He said that he helped build the BNF during its formative years and sacrificed a lot for the party.

He called Lekoma a left-wing politician who was humble and principled.

He said that the party is forever grateful for the contribution he made in the party adding that they still had a lot to learn from him.  “We have learnt a lot from him.

We need people like him to inspire us as we look forward to the battle ahead. He was such an inspirational leader. Since we just received the news of his passing, we will meet and see what we the party can do to honour him.”

Lekoma served the BNF in many capacities. In 1999, he was the party’s candidate for Borolong constituency in the general elections.

Under the leadership of Otsweletse Moupo, Lekoma was the BNF vice president, elected in 2001.