GRUESOME DISCOVERY OF A BODY OF AN 18 YEAR OLD WOMAN
BOTLOKWA: The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, alongside the Acting Mayor of Molemole Municipality, Mrs. Moabelo, and her entourage, as well as the police management, descended to Botlokwa in Capricorn district on Thursday, 11 January 2024, to engage the concerned community following the tragic and gruesome discovery of a lifeless body of an eighteen year old woman. The discovery has left the community in shock and laid bare the intricacies that women continue to face in their respective spaces.
Among the attendees were Capricorn District Commissioner, Major General Lesiba Mashilo and his management team , Botlokwa Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Magoa, joined by Branch Commander, Captain Ngoetjane and Support Head, Captain Seroma, the Community Policing Forum Board, and the Tribal Council.
Prior to the community engagement, the entourage was briefed on the level of tension in the area, aggravated by the recent incident in which an 18-year-old woman was found dead at Mokomene, where her body was already in an advanced state of decomposition. They also indicated that community members are alarmed by the murder incidents in the area where the victims’ body parts were removed.
The Provincial Commissioner also had a discussion with the Tribal Council in an effort to quell the situation and mend the relationship between the police and the community.
Both the Provincial Commissioner and District Commissioner addressed the community, which came in numbers. The District Commissioner, Major General Mashilo, pleaded with them not to take the law into their own hands and allow police space to investigate the case while also calling upon them to continue supporting the local police station to rid crime in the area.
In her address, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Hadebe, said police share in the collective grief and outrage felt by the community over this heinous act. She also went on to offer her heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and assured the community that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Our detectives are fully committed to a thorough and transparent investigation. We understand the community’s need for answers, and we will provide updates as the investigation progresses, including the previous cases,” she said.
“We urge everyone to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and work collaboratively with the police during this challenging time. We are dedicated to fostering an open communication and co-operation between the police and the community. Your inputs are crucial towards building a safer environment for all residents. Together, we will stand strong against violence perpetrated against women and children as we work towards a safer future, “concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
