By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said they will continue to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that Oratile Mothibi (18) returns home safe. According to the North West police, Oratile was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown man two weeks ago while walking in the bushes with her younger brother and a cousin aged 11 and 14 respectively.
Moiloa visited Oratile’s family on 1 February 2022.
“The mood was a sombre moment and the experience was extremely painful. This really pierced through my heart as I listened to Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and the family of Oratile narrating on how she was abducted.
“Our society is sick and needs deliverance from the Highest Power. We will however, as the department, join hands together with the police, Bogosi and the community to fight this battle. We will ensure that we bring Oratile back to her family. Truly, the war against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues,” she said.
Moiloa said a team of social workers were assigned to assist a traumatised family. She said their hearts are with the Mothibi’s family.
“I have asked that a team of social workers should continue to visit the family to provide them with the necessary psycho-social support in the form of debriefing and trauma counselling. We are with the family during this difficult time,” said Moiloa.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The police request community assistance in locating Oratile. According to information received, Oratile went with her brother and cousin to fetch food from a farm in Modutung village, near Taung on January 23 2022.
“Whilst walking back home in Magogong village, the trio was allegedly chased by an unknown man, who was armed with a knife. Furthermore, the man grabbed Oratile and threatened the children, who wanted to rescue her.”
Myburgh further said the boys then ran home and informed their parents about what had transpired. She said the police and community members searched the area without any success.
“Oratile was wearing a pair of blue denim jeans, a khaki long sleeved blouse as well as black school shoes. Anyone with information that can assist the police in finding Oratile can contact the investigating officer, Captain Joseph Montwedi on Cell: 082 496 0332.
“Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS Application from your smartphone,” she said.
However, some community members believe that Oratile was kidnapped for ritual purposes.
Meanwhile, one of the traditional healers who are assisting the family alleged that there are plans to turn Oratile into a zombie.
The traditional healer who visited the cave along with some community members, alleged that Oratile spirit is kept in a cave at Taung Dam by witchdoctors, while her physical body is languishing elsewhere.
Community members embarked on a violent protest last week and allegedly burnt down huts and houses belonging to two elderly women they accuse of witchcraft.
The Guardian 