"I could have died in that plane" - VP

Vice President and Chairman of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Mokgweetsi Masisi is a terrified and devastated man following the crash of an aircraft which was to transport him to Tsabong to attend BDP Youth Wing elective congress.

A statement from Botswana Defence Force issued last week said that a BDF CASA 212-300 aircraft which left Thebephatshwa Air Base for Gaborone crashed in the general area of Thebephatshwa and three fatalities were confirmed. The statement said the investigations to determine the cause of the accident are currently ongoing.

Government Spokesperson Dr. Jeff Ramsay also stated in a media release that a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Casa 212-300 Aircraft was scheduled to carry Masisi to Tsabong.

In an interview with The Midweek Sun this week, Masisi was at pains to discuss the matter. “Any plane crash is a terrifying and devastating experience. Innocent souls were lost and you can imagine what their families are going through. I could have been in that plane and being a high government official you could imagine what could have that meant for the nation.

“I have no idea what could have caused the accident. My primary concern is that life, which is prime and primary, has been lost. Those we lost had no idea they would not be with us at this moment,” said Masisi.

The BDP chairman stated that the three personnel who died during the crash had life and careers ahead of them. He explained that what soothes him is knowing that the trio loved their job so much and did it diligently.

“The matter is not about me. It is about those innocent souls and their families whom our hearts should pour out to. I wish their souls to rest in peace and my condolences go out to their families. I am painfully aware that this was not the path they chose. Me and you will also have our time to meet our maker but it is not for us to decide how,” said Masisi who did not want to discuss the matter further as investigations are still ongoing.