BDF hero to be laid to rest this Saturday

 

The body of Corporal Goitseone Tshegetsang, a 36-year-old Botswana Defence Force (BDF) member who died in Mozambique while serving in the SADC Mission, arrived home on Saturday and his funeral is expected to be held this weekend.

Corporal Tshegetsang passed away on March 27, 2024 due to a heart attack. He had been deployed as part of BDF's contingent 5 under the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Forces in the Cabo Delgado Province since October 2023.

In an interview with The Midweek Sun, family spokesperson, Binase Tshegetsang confirmed that a post mortem was conducted and that they are waiting for its recults. He said the funeral service for Cpl Tshegetsang will be held on Saturday in Letlhakeng.

At the reception ceremony, Commander Colonel Gebhard Amukwata praised Cpl Tshegetsang as a devoted and dedicated soldier who served his country with pride until his last breath. The commander expressed the pride of the SAMIM Force, the BDF, and Cpl Tshegetsang's family in his service.

BDF Director for Strategic Commitment Brigadier Tshepo Mpetsane expressed gratitude to the SAMIM forces, particularly the Zambian contingent, for their efforts in bringing Cpl Tshegetsang's body home. This gesture of kindness was greatly appreciated by the BDF and the Tshegetsang family.

Cpl Tshegetsang joined the BDF in 2008, and was stationed at the Garrison workshop in Thebephatshwa. He served his country for many years with honor and dedication.

He is survived by his two children, a son and a daughter, his parents, and three siblings.

Botswana first sent soldiers to Mozambique in July 2021 as part of the SADC mission to combat the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.