THE DARK WORLD

Dr. Cosmos Tshukuru of the Dingaka tsa Setso association explains that some people still turn to traditional doctors, believing that using human parts can bring them luck and success. Many believe that these parts can help them gain influence, wealth, and status within the community.

Dr. Tshukuru says this belief stems from envy, as many seek shortcuts, selling their souls and targeting others for their body parts. He mentions a group known as 'bo Raboko' that often harvests body

parts to enrich themselves.

He explains that human flesh can sometimes draw large crowds, which is why politicians are often accused and blamed for the rise in missing persons.

"Mme gantsi motho yo o dirwang dipheko wabo a setse a rerilwe," Tshukuru says, explaining that the person from whom body parts are harvested would have been carefully chosen and selected for the role, as it is not just anyone who is chosen.

Dr. Tshukuru elaborates on the perceived power of body parts. “Many believe that a human tongue has great power, that it can convey messages quickly and draw people in, what we call the power of the tongue. Others believe that the head, or brain, holds even greater potential for attracting wealth, as a strong head naturally draws others. These beliefs make certain body parts highly sought after, leading to dangerous practices,” he explains.

In matters of relationships, he says the human head is highly valued, with some people using heads to attract wealthy partners. However, Dr. Tshukuru warns that harvesting human flesh never goes smoothly and often backfires. Some participate in these rituals, thinking they will bring wealth, but end in disaster. While they may initially believe they are gaining success, the sacrifice gradually consumes them. Many face severe hardships as a result, and when things become too difficult to bear, they hide their suffering and seek help.

These groups use deceptive tactics to cover their tracks, making it challenging to catch them. Dr. Tshukuru explains that people who harvest human body parts often work alongside powerful traditional healers. These groups, known as 'bo Raboko,' collaborate with shamans who have dark intentions.

“Their main goal is to kill. These doctors take extreme measures to ensure their victims aren’t easily seen or caught. They aren’t ordinary doctors—they practice in secrecy and use dark rituals, often leading to death. There are many reasons behind these actions."

He reveals that when someone goes missing, it often becomes difficult to find them. Later, their remains are discovered, but by that time, their head has been taken. People are desperately searched for at first, only to disappear without a trace. These doctors perform rituals that hide their involvement, making it difficult to uncover the truth. They bury the body parts, creating confusion and ensuring the victim is hidden.

"These doctors are skilled in making the sacrifice appear seamless, using the person’s soul for their own gain. They gain benefits, either through wealth or by protecting themselves from harm with strong herbs. They rely on secrecy and never take responsibility, leaving behind a trail of silence. Their practice is feared, and when they are arrested, their cases never see the light of day and people

often forget them easily," he says.

"Ke sone se o bonang ere motho a nyeletse gobo go nna thata gore a bonwe, morago go bonwe marapo a gagwe mme motlhala o seo," he concludes.

- Cases of Human Bones

Cases involving human bones have raised concerns about missing persons and dominated public discourse across the country.

In 2023, shocked passers-by discovered fresh human bones near a poverty eradication village garden along the Motloutse River in Tobane village.

Another incident was reported at Takatokwane Police Station, where suspected human bones and clothing, believed to belong to a man who went missing for two months in 2022 at Mokame Lands, were found.

In 2021, human remains were discovered in a borehole at Mooke Lands in Shashemooke village. A farmer, who had been using one side of a dual borehole, noticed soil build-up on the other side and, upon removing it, uncovered human bones.

Suspected human remains were also found at Senao Cattle Post, approximately 10 kilometers along the Hukuntsi/Zutshwa road.

In 2012, the Old Naledi Police uncovered human remains buried under a tree near CA Sales at Commerce Park in Gaborone.

These are just a few of the disturbing cases of human bones discovered, and cases were reported to the police.