De Graaf recovering in Cape Town health facility
Former Minister of Agriculture, Christian de Graaf, has been transferred to Cape Town for specialised medical care following a severe injury at his Ghanzi home.
According to sources, de Graaf remains under close observation at a private facility, where medical specialists are attending to his facial injuries.
Ghanzi District Officer Commanding, Senior Superintendent Thari Senwelo, confirmed that the former minister is being monitored through a close relative.
“He is slowly recovering, that is what the relatives are saying so far,” Senwelo told The Midweek Sun.
The circumstances surrounding de Graaf’s injuries are still being investigated.
When asked about reports suggesting a suicide attempt, Senwelo said authorities are waiting for the former minister to regain his strength before recording an official statement.
“He is the only way. We have no clue on what could have happened,” he said, indicating that circumstances around the incident remain unclear.
De Graaf was initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone, after suffering severe facial trauma.
Part of his jawline and several teeth were shattered during the incident, and a rifle, reportedly a 30.06 firearm often used for hunting, was found nearby. The nature of the injuries has left many in the community concerned about his health and well-being.
Sources close to the former politician revealed that de Graaf has been managing Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and emotional well-being.
The disease is known to cause tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, balance issues, and non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in speech.
Experts note that while Parkinson’s disease progresses gradually, it can significantly impact a person’s daily life.
Family members and close friends have been actively supporting de Graaf during this challenging time.
Updates from Cape Town have reassured police officers and his close relatives that he is under constant medical supervision and slowly improving.