A chilling discovery sparks fear in the capital

Residents of Tshwane are on high alert after a body, burned beyond recognition and with hands cuffed behind the back, was discovered in the veld near Hammanskraal. The grisly find has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified concerns about the recent disappearance of Sergeant Ben Moloko.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that Brooklyn police are investigating the disappearance of the Pretoria officer, but it has not yet been established that the body belongs to him.

“Moloko was last seen on 9 September at the corner of Pretorius and WF Nkomo streets in Pretoria,” Muridili said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the case.

The missing officer

Sergeant Moloko had not reported for duty since 8 September, raising immediate alarm among his family and colleagues. “He was scheduled for high court duties throughout that week. When he failed to report again, his family was contacted, and a missing person’s inquiry was opened,” Muridili explained. Investigators also discovered Moloko’s vehicle parked at Church Square in Pretoria Central, a key clue in piecing together his movements.

Police have since established a dedicated team to track the officer’s last known locations and frequent haunts, intensifying the search in hopes of uncovering leads.

DNA testing underway

Forensic teams are working to determine whether the burned body found in the North West province’s Mogogelo area could be Sergeant Moloko. “The SA Police Service Forensic Services’ Victim Identification Unit has obtained DNA samples from the family to compare with the remains,” Muridili confirmed.

Authorities in North West have officially registered the case as a murder investigation, adding urgency to the probe.

Community on edge

The discovery has left Hammanskraal and surrounding areas tense, with residents expressing fear over the apparent brutality of the crime. Social media reactions reveal a mix of shock, anger, and calls for swift police action, with many questioning whether this could be linked to broader patterns of violence in the region.

The case raises broader concerns about officer safety, especially when on duty in volatile urban areas. Locals and experts alike are urging increased community engagement and policing oversight to prevent further tragedies.

As investigators continue their work, the connection between the discovered body and the missing officer remains uncertain. The outcome of DNA testing in the coming days will be crucial in providing clarity for the police, the community, and Sergeant Moloko’s family.

{Source: The Citizen}

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