Ten people die over Independence holidays

Correspondent | Friday October 6, 2017 12:31

This year 10 people died in 10 fatal road accidents that occurred throughout the country during the holidays as compared to six people who died during the same period last year.

In a media release, the Botswana Police Service (BPS)’s public relations officer, assistant commissioner Dipheko Motube said in all, a total of 239 road accidents were recorded throughout the country compared to 266 during the same period last year.

“The police also recorded 5,838 traffic offenses compared to 6,528 recorded last year. Drunken driving cases increased from 198 last year to 294 while the number of people who were arrested for driving without licenses decreased from 469 to 423,” reads the media release.

It further stated that pedestrians accounted for 60% of the causalities followed by passengers at 30% and the remaining 10% were drivers. The majority of the fatal accidents occurred in built-up areas and secondary roads compared to major highways.

The police also recorded 10 murder cases, 37 rape cases and 20 cases of breaking into motor vehicles and theft. Last year there were four, 37 and 20 cases reported respectively.

Meanwhile the police said that they have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old woman and her 59-year-old mother. The victims were found dead with stab wounds at their place of residence in Phiring location in Gaborone on Independence Day.

“The police have also arrested a 22-year-old man of Mmathethe in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man of the same village. The deceased died after he was stabbed with a sharp object still on Independence Day,” reads the media release.