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Harare Bureau
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday sent a message of condolence to the Batswana people following the death of former vice president Lieutenant General Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe.Lt Gen Merafhe died on Wednesday.
VP Mphoko signed the book of condolences at the Botswana embassy in Harare.
In his message, VP Mphoko described the Botswana former vice president as a friendly person whom he had good relations with during his days as Zimbabwean ambassador to Botswana.
“We worked with him when he was foreign minister and I predicted that if Khama became president, he would be vice president and he laughed with me. I then left for Moscow. So when it happened he called and said ah, Ambassador what happened? How did you know?
“Well he’s gone. He was a good friend and he was very close to (late Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Stan) Mudenge when they were both foreign ministers. So I’ve come to pay my respect on behalf of the government. We mourn him, may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
He said he had received with deep shock and sadness, the death of the former vice president.
“On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my behalf, I extend to you your Excellency and through you to the government and people of Botswana, our sincere and heartfelt condolences. Your Excellency, in this hour of bereavement, loss and mourning, may the people of your great country find solace in the realisation that our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Lt Gen Merafhe died at his home at Serowe. He was 79.
Botswana ambassador to Zimbabwe Kenny Kapinga said funeral arrangements were still in progress.
“I’m grateful that you found time to console us on the death of our vice president. I’ll tell the people of Botswana that you sent a condolence message. I’m not yet aware of the funeral arrangements and we’ll convey the message soon as we get the information,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe and Botswana had good relations that need to be taken to a higher level.
Online Reporter