Murdered GBV victim laid to rest

Kabelo Dipholo
FLASHBACK: Tanjo and Moikothai celebrating Valentines in 2019

Slain Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) activist, Gape Nakisani Tanjo, was laid to rest this morning at her home village- Tutume, amid scenes of anguish and disappointment.

Tanjo was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Baitseng Moikothai, who later committed suicide.

This week, scores of friends, well-wishers and the general public gathered at Block 1 recreation park to pay tribute to the fallen heroine that Tanjo had become.

An influential figure, community activist and a sports volunteer, the 36-year-old Tanjo had touched many lives in different ways and as eulogies poured in at the memorial service, speaker after speaker told of how they have lost a heroine who had ironically championed the campaign against gender based violence in her community.

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One of her friends, Biggie Tshiamonyana, said Tanjo was a loyal servant of the BDP who had contact details of all political leaders including members of Cabinet and the President.

“I’ve also managed to have those contacts courtesy of her. I remember I even went to the State House where I met the President and chatted like we were in the streets, and all this was through her assistance,” said Tshiamonyana.

“She was a password to almost everything. I’ve gone to places I’d never go to on my own, but with her on my side, I always felt safe because she was a peoples person,” he said.

Patron of Mingles Tarven Snooker Club Mokgethi Poloko, described Tanjo as a selfless human being who was instrumental in some of the initiatives in Block 1.

“She encouraged me to form this snooker club and pledged her undying support, a promise she kept until her dying day,” he said.

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Poloko said the late Tanjo, brought her boyfriend who was also a talented snooker player to the club.

“One of her wishes was for the club to engage in community-based projects. She wanted the club to donate to Phase VI Primary and this is something we intend to honour,” Poloko said.

Sports Volunteer Movement (SVM) Secretary-General Moses Cairo Poloko described the deceased as a cheerful human being who could light up any dull moment.

“She was a hardworking volunteer who took part in all the sports activities in Botswana and left a lasting impression on many of the foreign athletes we hosted,” Poloko said.

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Specially Elected Councillor Modiri Jojo Lucas said after the realisation that many people would not be able to be allowed inside the Civic Centre for the official memorial service a plan was hatched to host another one in Block 1 where many of her friends would be able to pay their respects.

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