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Soldier commits suicide at cattle post in Kopong outskirts

The deceased, a Lance Corporal stationed at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB), was discovered by his father at around 1:40pm
The deceased, a Lance Corporal stationed at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB), was discovered by his father at around 1:40pm

Police in Mogoditshane are investigating a case in which a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldier, aged 34, allegedly committed suicide by hanging at his family’s cattle post in Lekolobong, on the outskirts of Kopong, on Saturday.

The deceased, a Lance Corporal stationed at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB), was discovered by his father at around 1:40pm. According to No.13 District Officer Commanding, Senior Superintendent Mmoloke Sebako, the soldier hailed from Kopong village.

“On the fateful day, he left for the cattle post ahead of his father, who was supposed to follow him later. Upon arrival, his father found his son’s car parked in the yard with the car keys and his mobile phone left inside. After waiting for some time, he became worried and decided to follow his son’s shoe prints,” Sebako said.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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