17 Jan 2016

The MP for Shoshong, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele has pleaded with Otse residents to calm down and allow the police to carry out investigations in a case where an 18-year-old boy was found dead on January 8.

This follows an altercation between Otse residents and the police on Thursday January 14 which resulted in violence and vandalism of property. Residents were demanding answers on the events leading to the boy’s disappearance on January 1.

Addressing an emergency kgotla meeting in Otse on Friday  January 15, Mr Makgalemele told residents to give way to the police and to let them perform their duties in finding out what led to the boy’s death.

He told residents that violence and vandalism were not an appropriate way of solving matters. He added that it would cost the government a lot of money to repair the kgotla property that was vandalised.

Responding to residents who had stated that they were being discriminated and looked down upon, Mr Makgalemele said every tribe in Botswana was treated equally and further apologised on behalf of those who were reported to have used inappropriate language in addressing the public.

“Thorough investigations are being carried out even those who called you names will be taken to task because we don’t allow such behavior in Botswana,” he said. 

Mr Makgalemele warned residents to be aware of traditionalists, herbalists, spiritualists or any other people who claim to have super natural powers, stating that the people may mislead residents by telling them false stories that may cause panic.

Officer commanding Molepolole, Senior Superintendent Kevin Mookodi reiterated that residents should not resort to violence against the police, but rather let the police do their job.

He stated that the boy was reported missing on January 3 and they traced him up to Pallaroad together with members of the community.

He noted that the boy was mentally retarded and went missing at a party in one of the farms near Otse.

He stated that he was found dead on January 8 and that they have not yet established the cause of his death as they were trying to link his DNA to his family.

Kgosi Boithamako Keipone of Otse also pleaded with the community to stop the violence and let the police do their job.

He stated that everyone in the village has an interest in finding out what could have led to the boy’s death hence asked anyone with information to come forth and assist in the investigations. Ends