19 Jun 2022

Police in Lobatse are investigating circumstances leading to the death of a six-year-old boy who was reported missing in March and his remains recently discovered.

Tlotso Karema was reported missing at Peleng location and police suspect foul play.

A murder case has been registered and investigations are in full swing, according to deputy police commissioner, operations, Mr Solomon Mantswe.

Addressing a consultative meeting with Lobatse leadership on Friday, he said security organs were appealing for a calm and cordial relationship with the community in order to fully investigate the matter. Mr Mantswe said the recent uprisings where some residents of Peleng took to the streets was a clear indication that there was lack of understanding and feedback on the investigations.

Following the consultative meeting, Mr Mantswe was confident that the community and the security organs were on the same page and that investigations would be carried out smoothly.

In addition, Mr Mantswe said the town leadership would in the near future update residents on the matter.

Mr Mantswe said investigations started with the search of the Standard One pupil in March and that following a tip-off, police discovered the remains of a child and clothing that was said to be a match of the missing child through forensic tests. He said they matched the DNA of the mother and that of the remains.

Mr Mantswe said investigations would also establish what transpired since the disappearance of the child.

He added that there was a high possibility that the remains were that of the missing child. Mr Mantswe also said the family was at liberty to undertake their own DNA tests on the remains to verify what had been done, adding that they had assured the parents that despite the discovery and the release of the DNA results, the case was not over.

“We are going deeper into our investigations,” said Mr Mantswe.

He said something might have occurred relating to the disappearance of the child.

Mr Mantswe also appealed to the community to assist in the investigations.

He said whoever had suspicions, came across, or heard something suspicious must engage security organs. He added that all tip-offs would be taken seriously.

He said police were following some leads, but that cases of such nature were complex and required technological and advanced means of investigating.

Mr Mantswe also said parents of the child had received suspicious phone calls and that they had engaged experts in the use of communication gadgets to assist them with investigations.

“I am making an appeal to the community of Lobatse and Batswana as a whole, that whoever has a lead must contact security organs,” said Mr Mantswe.

Mr Mantswe said security organs were determined to investigate criminal acts to finality. For his part, Directorate of Security Intelligence Services director general, Brigadier Peter Magosi, concurred with Mr Mantswe that security organs were determined and would continue investigating the disappearance of the child.

He appealed to the community to cordially engage and assist them.

Brig. Magosi said security organs were determined to work with the community of Peleng and the leadership of Lobatse.

He assured the leadership that everything would be done orderly and appealed for calm.

“This is an appeal to Batswana to stay calm and work together in putting the case to rest,” he said.

Tlotso Karema went missing on March 18.  His remains were discovered in the bush along the Lobatse-Kanye road. ENDS