15 Jun 2022

Police have called for calm after riots erupted in Lobatse following the discovery of human bones this week, confirmed to be those of a six-year-old boy who was reported missing mid-March.

Dozens of angry residents poured into the streets Monday evening in protest over the discovery, which some refused to accept as the child’s, despite forensic evidence pointing to that.

Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Near Bagali said the furious Peleng residents resorted to rioting after police attempted to disperse them. 

Three police officers were slightly injured and four police vehicles damaged.

“My appeal is for the community to stay calm. 

We understand how they feel. Losing a child or a loved one is a painful ordeal. 

Therefore, we pray that members of the community allow the police to continue with their investigations,” he said. 

Snr Supt Bagali said the police had managed to restore order, although the situation remained volatile.

He said police arrested 10 residents who they were questioning regarding the riots.

Investigations into the child’s death continue. Little Tlotso Karema went missing on March 18 this year. 

His remains were discovered in the bush along Lobatse – Kanye road. BOPA