Dedicated cop applauded for tracing missing kids

PRAKTISEER

As Limpopo grapples with the increasing number of missing persons, a local cop has saved three kids from adding to the number of missing kids. According to the SAPS, a total of 130 cases of missing persons were registered from January until 6 October 2022 in Limpopo.
Sergeant Mahlatjie Nicodemus Letsoalo attached to SAPS Tubatse Social Crime Prevention Unit was off duty when at about 18:00, on 6 October 6 he received a call from one of the community members in Dark City alerting him about the disappearance of three children.
Without any hesitation, the courageous man in blue rushed to the Tubatse Police Station and reported the matter before booking a state vehicle.
“Police started a search in nearby areas. Letsoalo succeeded in tracing the children at about 19:45 near a dumping site, three kilometers from the children’s home and safely handed them over to their guardian.
“The woman is a mother to one child aged 05 and was babysitting the other two children aged 6,” said Limpopo SAPS spokesman Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo.

Limpopo SAPS commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the off duty Police Sergeant for his determination.
“Police Stations are flooded with cases of missing persons and while some remain missing, some are found injured or dead. A bigger number are found safe and sound, which is later emerging that their disappearance was voluntary, “said Hadebe.
She added, “A lot of resources and time get wasted by police trying to find people who are not really missing, instead, Police could be investigating legitimate cases.
“One of the most serious cases reported this year, was of two women who were went missing in Burgersfort and Tubatse and they were later found murdered.”
She concluded, “I also commend the work by members of Joint Operations teams. Each case is treated with priority and there is no waiting period and we also understand that the impact of missing persons can be life changing for families and communities.”