Molepolole unrest: Urgent attention on missing person cases

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday November 28, 2023 06:00

From Jakoba's mysterious disappearance on November 9 to the grim discovery of his remains at Mosinki Lands, a gap in the response mechanisms of the police and village leadership has been laid bare. The community's anger is evident, seen in the attack on Bakang Masole, the man found driving Jakoba's taxi and the main suspect, and the subsequent riot. Residents express discontent, citing a troubling trend of missing persons cases often ending in death, allegedly for ritual purposes.

The authorities' failure to address these concerns has left residents feeling betrayed, leading to the destructive outburst after Jakoba's funeral.

Confirmation of the murder investigation and the arrest of Bakang Masole provide a glimmer of hope for justice, but the revelation of missing body parts intensifies the gravity of the situation. The arrest of eight individuals linked to the riots is a step towards restoring order, but the underlying issue of addressing missing person cases and preventing further unrest is paramount. Villagers rightly emphasise the need for swift attention from both the police and village leadership to quell rising tensions.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities must maintain transparency and communication with the community. Accusations circulating on social media regarding body parts at Bakang Masole's residence underline the importance of accurate information dissemination to prevent misinformation. The incident in Molepolole serves as a stark reminder that the safety of community members should be a top priority. Authorities must address the root causes of the unrest, reassess their approach to missing persons cases, and collaborate with the community to restore trust and ensure justice for Phenyo Jakoba, his family, and all families of missing people.