Self-shooting former minister Christian de Graaf in ICU
Former Minister of Agriculture, Christian de Graaf, who served under former President Ian Khama’s administration, is fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bokamoso Private Hospital after a suspected gunshot injury at his home in Gantsi. The former minister was found in a critical condition during the early hours of Saturday, with part of his jaw and teeth scattered on the floor. A rifle, believed to be a .3006, a firearm commonly used for elephant hunting, was found beside him.
Reports circulating suggest that de Graaf may have attempted to take his own life, but miraculously survived the ordeal, although it left him with severe facial injuries. Another school of thought, since no one witnessed the incident as it unfolded, is that it may have been an accident associated with the former minister's known condition that affects motor dynamics. Gantsi District Officer Commanding,
Senior Superintendent Thari Senwelo, confirmed the incident but refused to conclude it as a suicide attempt as many speculate.
“The incident occurred at his residence outside Gantsi, not far from the main village. He called his friend for help, and the friend alerted family members who then reported the matter to the police,” he said. Sources close to the former politician allege that de Graaf has been battling Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects movement and coordination.
Symptoms of the disease include tremors, stiffness, slowness in movement, balance problems, and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Parkinson’s disease also causes non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, loss of smell, and changes in speech and handwriting. These symptoms often worsen over time, affecting the patient’s ability to carry out daily activities. The late boxing legend Muhammad Ali also suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which was diagnosed in 1984, three years after his retirement.
Experts have long debated the causes of Parkinson’s disease, but in many cases, it develops without any known reason.