The Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival has been marred by tragedy following the deaths of three people and hospitalisation of two others in separate incidents over the weekend.
Botswana Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) senior superintendent Selinah Omphile confirmed the incidenrs in an interview with Mmegi Online today.
She revealed that one person died in a car accident, while two others died after allegedly suffocating in their tent.
In the road accident, Omphile said one occupant who happened to be the driver.
“There was an accident recorded where five people were in the car and the driver died while the four passengers survived," she said.
She said from the four that survived, two got away without injuries.
"Two other people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital with fractures where they are still hospitalised. It is believed that one is critical, ” she added.
Meanwhile, in another shocking incident, two people said to be lovers were found dead in their tent.
Preliminary investigations suggest that they had placed a braai stand inside for warmth, leading to suffocation overnight.
Omphile urged festival goers and the public at large to always prioritise safety and to avoid lighting fires in closed spaces such as tents to prevent similar tragedies.
In a separate incident, Omphile confirmed that one woman was raped and the suspect has been incarcerated pending investigations into the matter.
