COVID 19: Mystery over Ramotswa woman’s death
Government has said members of the Ramotswa family whose mother passed on as a result of corona virus related conditions will only access her results through a court order.
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Director of Health Services Dr. Malaki Tshipayagae confirmed to Weekend Post on national broadcaster, Botswana television and Radio Botswana when giving phase 3 lockdown updates that they did not hand over the Corona Virus test results to the family of the deceased Ramotswa elderly woman, Kwetsi Magakwa.
Dr. Tshipiyagae stated that “Kgang Ya Ramotswa, di tsa motho di helela le ditsa motho (As for the Ramotswa case, results can only be handed over to the owner and nobody else. We know that, unfortunately in this case the concerned person is deceased).
“But in any case the results came after she passed on. That is why the cause of death (Corona) differs with what’s in the death certificate. They can only get the results (if they want) through a court order,” he said. Family members of the deceased this week accused government of concealing the truth in the death of their family member.
The family disputes government’s position that the 79 year old woman died of the deadly Corona Virus but instead lung complications and asthma. The government, they say has not even had the courtesy to hand over the “highly confidential” woman’s results to the family hence hiding crucial information that concerns the death of their loved one.
Vice President Slumber Tsogwane announced on Botswana television on March 31st citing her as the first fatal case. He stated that the case involved the 79 year old woman from Ramotswa who succumbed to corona virus, on the 25th March and was buried hurriedly on the 29th March 2020.
Weekend Post has learnt that the deceased was born on the 5th September 1941 in Ramotswa. Before her death she was a full time farmer. Tsogwane said the woman had attended a funeral in Motswedi, a village close to Zeerust in North West and when she returned from Motswedi she was quarantined at home before being taken to Bamalete Lutheran Hospital.
“She was admitted to hospital after she started showing symptoms and later developed a fever on March 21. She was examined in the accident and emergency unit and put under mandatory quarantine where she died on March 25,” the Vice President told the nation.
According to Tsogwane, her burial was conducted with the necessary precautions taken when someone is “suspected” to have a highly infectious disease. Tsogwane said it was noted that the deceased had also had other medical conditions. Weekend Post team then visited the family this week in Ramotswa to inquire on the matter further.
The team was met and greeted by “angry and furious” family members who said they were fed up also labeling government authorities on COBID 19 as “liars” who concealed information on the death of their own family member.
An elder and family representative, Patrick Magakwa told Weekend Post that to start with, the so called government officials on the corona virus have no proof that his older sister died of corona virus but they have the nerve to announce on national television about their family claiming so.
“They don’t have evidence that this woman (older sister) died because of Corona Virus. So they know what they have been saying or telling the nation is not the truth, they never even set foot here to find the truth,” he lashed out.
He continued to justify: “a death certificate confirms her death as lung complications and asthma. She has been having respiratory complications since 1959. There isn’t anything written like COVID-19 which they claim she died of.”
Magakwa narrated his older sister’s ordeal insisting to this publication that it appears when they took her to the hospital, the health officials immediately suspected corona virus since its linked to respiratory complications, while it was not, and instead of attending her speedily to save her life – she was left to die like a dog.
No close contact to the woman tested positive in Ramotswa
According to the family representative, surprisingly, all the family members and relatives who contacted the deceased very closely before, during and after her demise – all tested negative to the corona virus. This, the family says makes them, even doubt further the corona virus conspiracy in the matter.
He explained: “we were five including the deceased when we went to Motswedi in South Africa for the funeral. But we slept in one room while there including the deceased. We even travelled on the same car to and from the funeral.”
“Why were the others not contacted and why are they all of a sudden corona free? They should give us the evidence. They didn’t hand over my sister’s positive results,” he said before adding that all the other four tested negative to corona virus and had undergone the mandatory 14 days quarantine from the 24th March to the 6th April 2020.
Before her death, he stressed that “my wife and I, we were taking care of her, bathing and feeding her and taking her to hospital. And if indeed she had corona, why and how come it didn’t contact us? We all tested negative. It’s been a month and weeks.”
A local radio station has also confirmed at Motswedi in South Africa that there is no COVID-19 case recorded in the area and therefore it is not clear where, if true, the deceased woman contacted the deadly virus.
Family summons Gov’t, COVID-19 taskforce to come explain
Magakwa emphasized that the family wants the government or COVID-19 taskforce team to come to their ward, Goo Phelefu in Ramotswa and explain the issues.
“That’s it. Even Dr. Malaki Tshipiyagae talks about my sister on various media but he has never set foot here. He is soiling the good name of our family. Government is shady on this matter. Since the incident, even MP or Councilor, we have never seen them here. They even shunned the funeral,” he said with guns blazing.
Ramotswa community stigmatizing, discriminating family
The family lives in fear as the community is evidently and continually stigmatizing them and in some cases discriminating them, the family elder told Weekend Post.
“We can’t even walk freely around the community as we are afraid of the people. There is too much stigma and discrimination against us. We are known as the corona virus family. We can’t even go to the Post Office to earn our old age stipend,” Magakwa’s wife added.
Social workers, Council shunned the family in the food packages
According to Magakwa, sometime this week the Council authorities came to their home to ask some questions and upon hearing that it is Magakwa family, they made a U-turn and claimed to have forgotten some forms that they were supposed to fill before giving out the food items.
“The Social workers didn’t bring us food rations although they assessed us and we qualified. We wonder why and assume that it’s probably because of this corona virus issue as our family is associated with it. They came but made a U-turn upon hearing that it is our home stead claiming that they forgot some forms we should fill up until now,” the family members said.
The elderly man highlighted that people are speaking ill of them saying they are infected with corona virus, and pointed out that they lack legal advice and representation on the matter to take government to task as they have no funds.
Only God knows if she died of corona virus or not – Councilor
Weekend Post team further visited the political leadership in the area being the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Councilor for Kgosing, which Goo Phelefu falls under, Zaahid Jalal who was caught between a rock and a hard place in explaining the matter.
“There were some tests done also on her contact persons and all their results came out negative. They were all quarantined and released. They tested negative. Only God knows if she died of corona virus or not,” he pointed out.
According to the Councilor on the other hand it is also difficult to question their medical findings and opinions as medicals are very sensitive. “Probably old age contributed and maybe the virus was not at a level that may be passed to the next person,” he said.
However he added that the truth is that the woman has not been well for some time before corona virus; she had respiratory complications like asthma.
Mortuary staff who came into contact with the deceased also negative
On 1st April, Babereki Ka Lorato branch in Ramotswa mortuary owned by Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU)’s Baberkeri Group as majority shareholder was closed after they handled the “so called COVID 19 corpse” in an unsafe way as they were not notified of the case prior and it was then health processed.
However, all staff members who were on duty and or came into contact with the deceased person were held in quarantine at President Hotel and also later tested negative. Meanwhile World Health Organisation and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has cautioned that there are high risk infections for Corona Virus:
“Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are: People 65 years and older; people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility; people of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including: people with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; people who have serious heart conditions; people who are immunocompromised,” the organization states.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
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I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.