A dark cloud falls over Francistown

EDWARD BULE
Corresponded | Tuesday November 23, 2010 00:00

 

Attorney Phazha Kgalemang of Kgalemang and Associates, died on Sunday at home reportedly from a heart attack. Information reaching Mmegi says that Kgalemang collapsed at about 8 pm on Sunday and was certified dead upon arrival at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.

A former police officer, Kgalemang became a very successful lawyer running probably the biggest law firm in Francistown. He has groomed and mentored several lawyers who have also become equally successful as they run their own law firms.

Morgan Moseki of Moseki and Associates, describes Kgalemang as an institution. 'Kgalemang was an institution. He was an all-rounder and a fearless lawyer who had a passion to represent his clients to the fullest,' said Moseki who worked with him for several years before establishing his own law firm. Moseki, who is quick to make the disclaimer that he is not a medical doctor, says he suspects that Kgalemang might have overworked himself for a long time. 'He was a workaholic,' says Moseki, who adds that he was still finding it difficult to come to terms with the loss.

Ben Magogwe also died of cardiac arrest on Saturday evening. He was rushed to Nyangabgwe after collapsing at home and was certified dead on arrival at the hospital. Joel Magogwe, brother to the deceased, says that his brother had a history of high blood pressure but nobody thought it was life-threatening. A Mmegi Investment Holdings board member and former manager at Barclays Bank, Magogwe had retired from employment and was running his own businesses.

Rebecca Nshakazhokwe, former councillor who rose to the position of deputy mayor, died on Friday after a short illness. A family member said that Nshakazhokwe died at Bokamoso Private Hospital where she had been hospitalised for kidney problems. The former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) councillor served as a civic leader for 10 years. She had been a widow for seven years following the death of her husband in 2003.

Deputy Mayor and councillor for Tatitown, Stanley Masalila says that in Nshakazhokwe the BDP has lost 'a very honest, straightforward and objective leader'. He reveals that at the height of BDP factionalism, the former deputy mayor preached and acted reconciliation.

According to Masalila, Nshakazhokwe never displayed bias against the opposition embracing or rejecting their motions.

Magogwe will be buried in Molepolole this Saturday, whilst Nshakazhogwe will be buried in Francistown also on Saturday. Funeral arrangements for Kgalemang had not been finalised by the time of going to press.