The Boteti East constituency is mourning the untimely death of former area legislator and Minister of Health Sethomo Lelatisitswe, who was found dead on August 2, 2025, in what police sources describe as a suspected suicide by hanging.
Preliminary reports suggest that the 52-year-old allegedly took his own life following a domestic dispute involving an intimate partner. Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and no official report has been released. However, the tragedy has already sent shockwaves across the country, leaving shock and disbelief.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Boteti East branch secretary, Koziba Godisamang, confirmed Lelatisitswe's passing, describing it as “a heartbreaking loss to the constituency and the nation”. “We are devastated,” he said in a statement released on Monday. “Lelatisitswe was more than a political figure. He was a man of service, humility, and dedication to his people. His death is a huge blow to all of us.”
He said Lelatisitswe served with honour and distinction as the Member of Parliament (MP) for 10 years, earning the respect, admiration, and trust of his constituents and colleagues. Lelatisitswe’s political journey began in 2014, when he was elected as MP for Boteti East under the BDP until 2024, when he lost in the general elections.
Despite never holding a formal role within party structures, he quickly earned a reputation for being principled, grounded, and unafraid to speak his mind.
“He was a quiet man, but a straight talker,” recalled Ame Makoba, former BDP executive secretary. “Even on the backbench, he made his presence felt.”
In 2020, the late was appointed assistant Minister of Health, where he led key health initiatives during some of the country’s most pressing times. His commitment and leadership were recognised in September 2024, when he was appointed Minister of Health after Dr Edwin Dikoloti was dropped from Cabinet by former president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Former vice president Slumber Tsogwane described Leatisitswe as a brother, saying they shared a strong working relationship. "Our constituencies faced similar challenges, and he was always vocal about them. We had mutual respect and never clashed over party decisions," he said.
