�Don�t blame yourselves� - final message from deceased cllr
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday April 26, 2016 18:00
In the final text message Rakgomo expressed his love for his electorate and asked his relatives not to blame themselves.
The 47-year-old councillor for Kelemogile ward in Ramotswa was found hanging 500 metres from the Mokolodi junction in a bush along the A1 highway.
According to insiders, Rakgomo, who was the South East District vice chairman, sent a message on Sunday to his brother-in-law giving directions to where his body could be found, but giving few clues about his motives. Family members rushed to the scene, and spotted his car parked by the Mokolodi junction. However, it was too late.
In the message to his brother-in-law, Rakgomo said he had not been well “in his spirit” for some time. He said he could not continue helping his electorate “whom I love” or his party. He urged his family members not to blame each other. Ramotswa station commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi said investigations were ongoing.
“It is true we are investigating the death of a 47-year-old man who was a councillor in Ramotswa. We want to establish the reasons why he decided to hang himself.
“There is nothing much we can say as the police since our investigations are still ongoing. “There is no suicide note except that he sent his brother-in-law a message. The message does not state the reasons why he took that decision,” Phadi said. One of Rakgomo’s close friends said the late councillor was naturally an introvert who hardly expressed his innermost thoughts or worries. “I am still in shock because we were together on Thursday, but he never said a word to me. Recently, I noticed that he wanted to spend most of the time alone which at times worried me,” the friend said, requesting anonymity.
BCP spokesperson, Dithapelo Keorapetse said Rakgomo’s death had robbed the party and country of “a productive and patriotic young man”.
“The party is aware of how much the family, friends and comrades of Rakgomo will miss him and we encourage them to draw on their strength. We encourage the media to let the family and party mourn their fallen hero by treating the matter with the sensitivity it deserves,” he said. South East District chairman, Phenyo Segokgo said he was saddened by Rakgomo’s demise and said he was still struggling to come to terms with the development.
“He was a committed member of the South East District Council and my right hand man, who gave me advice and strength to lead our people. I’m in shock,” Segokgo said.