WHEN a police officer goes missing, as has happened with top Pretoria detective Inspector Andrew Bachipile Rapetla, fears for his safety immediately become a source of deep concern not only for his family but also the community he serves.

WHEN a police officer goes missing, as has happened with top Pretoria detective Inspector Andrew Bachipile Rapetla, fears for his safety immediately become a source of deep concern not only for his family but also the community he serves.

Heightening the fears is both the perilous nature of police duty and the fact that the trail seems to have gone cold after his mysterious disappearance on his way home from GaRankuwa police station on July 2.

For many, Rapetla's disappearance revives grim memories of the disappearance without trace of another Pretoria police officer, Francis Rasuge.

Our hearts are with the Rapetla family at this difficult moment as the nation prays for the safe return of the missing policeman.