19 Aug 2026

Member of Parliament for Takatokwane, Mr Jacob Kelebeng has called for the rule of law to be upheld despite the distress and local unrest following the unsuccessful search for missing child, Collen Loba. 

Speaking at a kgotla meeting on Monday, Mr Kelebeng highlighted the importance of maintaining order to protect the village, thus urged stakeholders to unite in harmony and keep the child in their prayers.

Mr Kelebeng also encouraged the police to remain focused on the search and welcome independent investigators.

The child disappeared on the chilly morning of June 6 and despite a P50, 000 cash reward offered by the police last month, search efforts were yet to yield any leads.

For his part, Southern division commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Israel Tuelo, urged the community to share any details that could assist law enforcement. 

Mr Tuelo told the meeting that extensive operations, including deploying helicopters and drones, leveraging the police’s Facebook page and utilising trackers from Leopard Ecology Conservation, had so far been unsuccessful, noting that Loba’s last known footprints were spotted about 30 metres before the game reserve at Kweta cattle post. 

Addressing the aftermath of the search efforts, Letlhakeng deputy council secretary, Mr Johane Gaosafelwe, expressed concern over the recent arrest of some search crew members during local uprisings. 

Mr Gaosafelwe appealed to the police to engage diplomatically with the community when tempers erupted rather than resorting to force. He also encouraged residents to let law enforcement conduct their investigations and respect the rights of suspects.

Community representatives, including the Ministers Fraternal chairperson, Mr Gakeresepe Moepele and Ms Galenkutlwele Tsietso, stated that the recent unrest was triggered by a strained relationship between the police and the Moeladilotlhoko Newsboiler crew. 

Several residents echoed the same sentiments and alleged that excessive force was used and that some arrests were wrongful. 

ENDS