Grieving families call for justice

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – Mourners in Bolata village and surrounding areas, joined the two grieving families of Teboho Mokoena (42) and Jacob Mojaki (36), at their funeral at the Uniting Reformed Church on Saturday.

The pair were members of Bolata Community Patrollers (BCP) who were gunned down by alleged stock thieves last week Wednesday.

Family members who were still struggling to come to terms with their loss pleaded with the law enforcement agencies to bring those behind the shooting to book.

Mokgako Makakole, a cousin of the late Mojaki, told this publication that it was difficult for the family to believe that his cousin is no more.

“We are still in shock because they played a pivotal role in the fight against crime in our area. They risked their lives to serve our community with distinction. We are indeed deeply saddened,” said a devastated Makakole.

Teleko Mokoena, the father of the late Teboho, bemoaned the country’s justice system.

“Our country has become lawless. Our government is failing in the fight against crime.We may life imprisonment for their murderers but we know after a few weeks we might see them back in our communities.”  

Meanwhile, BCP chairperson, Tlatso Isaac Moloi, said losing members in such manner is very demoralizing and devastating. He said the community patrolling was established last year in response to the rife acts of criminality in their area.

“By assisting the cops to fight crime, we are now being targeted even by people believed to be Lesotho nationals who are involved in crime.  

“We had a meeting with Major General Jan Tsotetsi to discuss his plans to assist us in joining the Community Policing Forum in order to continue contributing to the fight against crime.”

In another development, police said they have taken three people in for questioning after they found six head of cattle that are believed to have been stolen at the house where the deceased met their untimely death.

The third patroller Leotlela Jack Lelahla who was wounded during the attack and admitted to a local hospital, has  passed on last Saturday.

This was confirmed by his family spokesperson Leotlela Nkgobiso.