By Staff Reporter
A Zimbabwean national, identified as Henry Gurupira, has died after sustaining severe injuries in a mob attack in Gaborone, Botswana, an incident that has sent shockwaves through both Zimbabwean and Botswanan communities.
According to reports, Gurupira was assaulted at a taxi rank after being accused of stealing a mobile phone. Investigations suggest that he had purchased the device from another individual, unaware that its tracking feature remained active. When he later switched on the phone, the original owner traced it to his location, prompting a confrontation that escalated into a violent mob attack.
Gurupira was rushed to hospital following the assault but succumbed to his injuries four days later.
Botswana Police have since arrested four suspects in connection with the incident. Those charged are Thatayaone Motlhanka (40), a teacher at Ranaka Primary School; Kabelo Mokokota (35), a soldier stationed at Thebephatshwa Air Base; Bakang Ranthoakgale (36), a computer technician with the Ngwaketse Land Board; and Aobakwe Mokokota (40), who is self-employed.
At the time of publication, Botswana authorities had not issued an official statement to ZimEye regarding the matter.
While the killing has raised concerns, incidents of mob justice—particularly against foreign nationals—remain relatively rare in Botswana. The country has long been regarded as one of Southern Africa’s most stable and tolerant societies and is home to a large community of Zimbabwean migrants who generally live and work without significant hostility.
Under the leadership of President Duma Boko, Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of all residents, regardless of nationality. The administration has also strongly warned against vigilantism, emphasising that criminal allegations must be addressed through the justice system rather than by mobs.
The death of Henry Gurupira is therefore widely viewed as an isolated tragedy rather than a reflection of Botswana’s broader attitude toward foreign nationals—particularly Zimbabweans—who have historically found the country more welcoming and less prone to xenophobic violence than other parts of the region, notably South Africa.
National
