Most of the time when he described Bathobakae, Boko bowed his head and other MPs could not control their emotions as they wept. At some point, a distraught Boko seemed overwhelmed by emotions and had to kept quite for 10 minutes while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) MP, Dithapelo Keorapetse took over the sombre press conference.
Bathobakae died on Monday of a suspected heart attack, according to a Tlokweng councillor. All opposition MPs attended the press conference. After regaining his composure, Boko said as tears streamed down his face: “This is one of the saddest moments as a leader for me to make a painful announcement of the passing on of our own. Bathobakae was the pillar of strength for all of us. She was like a friend, a mother and a warrior in the struggle. She stood with me during the hard times in Botswana National Front (BNF) when she was my vice. We are mourning her passing as opposition parties”. At the press conference, however, the party leaders could not disclose the details of what could have caused the death of the MP. The opposition whip, Wynter Mmolotsi said the family is still working around the dates for the funeral when their sister/mother would be laid to rest. “The memorial service is likely going to be held on Thursday, if she would be laid to rest this weekend”.
