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- Thirty-nine people died during Botswana's Independence Day holiday this weekend.
- The majority were murdered.
- The holidays also saw a record number of traffic violations.
Botswana experienced one of the country's worst Independence Days in recent years, with 39 deaths recorded during the holiday period.
The same period last year saw 26 deaths, police spokesperson Superintendent Selinah Omphile said in a statement.
Police consider the jump alarming.
From the Botswana Police Service's preliminary investigations, "the incidents constituted 22 murder cases, 11 suicides, and six road fatalities," said Omphile.
In 2022, there were seven murder cases, 10 suicides, and nine deaths from road accidents.
"Investigations show that most of the murder cases resulted from misunderstandings, while a few were random attacks on victims by perpetrators," Omphile said.
During the holiday period, there was also a sharp rise in
road traffic offences.
"A total of 6 824 traffic violations were registered, as compared to 5 018 recorded in the previous year, thus representing an increase of 37%.
"The causes remains the same, among which are speeding, drunken driving, and driving without a licence," said Omphile.
Botswana celebrated its 57th year of independence from British colonial rule on 30 September.
At the event to celebrate the occasion, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said: "We must collectively foster a mindset that actively seeks progress and transformation.
"We need to redouble our efforts to work together, striving for the advancement of Botswana, and the well-being of all citizens, guided by a mindset centred on growth, unity, and prosperity."
The News24 Africa Desk is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The stories produced through the Africa Desk and the opinions and statements that may be contained herein do not reflect those of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
