The recent discovery of the remains of three missing police officers has rightfully captured national attention. It's a welcome development, and the affected families will have a level of closure though questions remain unanswered. Families have received the remains of their loved ones and will be able to give them dignified burials.
National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola's heartfelt plea to the investigative team — “find my children” — echoes the sentiments of many families who have endured the gut-wrenching pain of having a loved one go missing. However, this event also raises vital questions about the disparity in priority given to different missing people cases in our country.
If the allocated resources, including helicopters, a task team and various specialised police units, can be mobilised for the search of the fallen officers, then why should this level of commitment not be extended to every individual reported missing? What about the cases that have faded into the background, leaving families in despair without closure or answers?
Every missing person deserves the same level of attention and resources, regardless of their profession, background or circumstances surrounding their disappearance
Take, for instance, the case of the little girl from Tsakane, in Ekurhuleni, Amahle Thabethe, who was only eight years old when she went missing in 2019. Six years later, there has been no trace of her; her disappearance has not received nearly the same level of urgency or resources as those devoted to the missing officers. It is imperative that we ask, what differentiates these cases? Are the lives of some individuals inherently valued more than others? Was it a case of doing everything possible to find “our own” by the police?
Furthermore, we have journalist Aserie Ndlovu, who together with his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, have been missing for more than two months. As time passes, the hope of finding them safe diminishes, yet the urgency with which police handle their case, and many other cases of other missing people, remains in stark contrast to their efforts for the missing officers.
The unequal treatment of missing persons cases reflects a systemic issue within our police service. With the case of the missing constables, the police showed us as South Africans that if and when they want to, they can work round the clock. Masemola also made a huge reward offer of R350,000 for information that could helpsolve the case. Why are we not seeing the same vigour and resources in all the other cases? Do their lives matter less?
Trite though it might appear, it is worth stating that every missing person deserves the same level of attention and resources, regardless of their profession, background or circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
To be clear, the point is not that the police should not have worked as hard as they did to find Masemola’s “children”, it simply is that what is good for the goose surely ought to be good for the gander. The families of missing people deserve the same sincerity, hope and dedication that are shown for those in uniform.
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