29 Jun 2026

Maun Police have recovered the body of a 28-year-old man from the Thamalakane River on Friday, days after he was reported missing by his family.

In an interview, acting station commander for Maun Police, Superintendent Moutlwatse Ikobeng said the deceased was identified by family members as that of a man residing in Sedie Ward who had been reported missing on June 22.

He said the body was in a state of decomposition, suggesting that it had been in the water for several days before it was discovered.

Superintendent Ikobeng said the deceased had since been taken for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, adding that investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Superintendent Ikobeng further appealed to families caring for relatives living with mental illness to remain vigilant and closely monitor their whereabouts. 

“People living with mental illness often times are prone to wandering away from home without the knowledge of their families, placing themselves in vulnerable situations hence the call for people to closely monitor their relatives,” he said.

He urged families experiencing difficulties in caring for relatives with mental illness to seek assistance from relevant government departments, noting that support mechanisms were available.

In a separate incident, Maun Police are investigating a case in which an 11-year-old child allegedly set a motor vehicle ablaze in Moeti Ward on Wednesday.

Superintendent Ikobeng said preliminary investigations indicate that the child allegedly opened the vehicle’s fuel filler cap before igniting it, resulting in the vehicle being completely destroyed by fire.

“The child is unharmed and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

Superintendent Ikobeng also appealed to parents and guardians to closely supervise children and remain aware of their activities to help prevent incidents that could result in injury, loss of property or loss of life. 

ENDS