17 Mar 2021

The Boteti leadership has expressed concern about the spate of ritual killings in the sub-district.

Kgosi Keletshwaretse Phetsogang of Mmatshumo told a meeting that was convened to discuss the situation and how it could be addressed in Letlhakane on Monday that although he acknowledged the seriousness of the scourge, he was against the idea of using prophets and traditional doctors to assist trace missing persons, saying it might spark conflicts.

He cautioned the public and traditional doctors to desist from using human parts for ritual purposes.

Kgosi Polson Keletshwaretse of Mmeya said it was disheartening for a family member to disappear without a trace, saying discovery of a dead body could afford the family some closure.

He implored residents to take care of children, the elderly and disabled family members.

Khwee Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Meshack Tseleng indicated that Khwee missing persons’ cases differed from others in Boteti as in most instances people disappeared after drinking sprees and were usually found alive.

He expressed concern about children who bullied older women during pension money paydays, which he said had led to an increase in the number of missing persons.

He said some elderly people fled their homes in fear of being harassed by their children over the money.

Kgosi Dira Galeragwe of Tawana West in Letlhakane suggested a unit in police stations specifically to deal with missing persons’ cases and also proposed an increase in the number of police helicopters as well as support from members of the public to the police when they embarked on a search.

Kgosi Barontshi Kegapetswe of Letlhakane observed that most of the cases happened where there was inadequate care, such as where a disabled or elderly person was left unattended.

Reverend Boitshwarelo Mopedi suggested that a helicopter be availed immediately after receipt of a missing person report. 

For his part, No.8 District Administration Officer Commanding Superintendent Obed Manji stated that they had seven cases of missing persons in 2019, five in 2020 and four in 2021.

Supt Manji stated that in 2019, five missing persons were found alive, three in 2020 and two in 2021, whileone person was found dead in 2020.

Letlhakane Station Commander, Mr Michael Maphephu pleaded with the public to report missing persons on time, and urged members of the public to tell the police their suspicions of a missing person’s whereabouts, as opposed to reporting as a crowd. ENDS