The past 10 months have been difficult for Masilo Mazibuko and his family, living in fear, separated and stripped off their rights to freedom of movement.
The 57-year-old man wishes to reunite with his children. The family was displaced after he was wrongfully accused of raping and murdering an eight-year-old.
The man endures sleepless nights worrying about his children, hoping they are still alive and safe.
It has been five months since he saw his son Lerato Mazibuko (28) and his two daughters Refiloe Mazibuko (35) and Ntswaki Hlahatsi (23).
“I don’t have any information about my children. I don’t know if they have shelter, I don’t know if they have food, I don’t where they are. My last born, Karabo Mazibuko (17), lives with his aunt in the township,” said Mazibuko.
He pleads with communities to share information that can help him locate his children.
He said the last time Lerato was attacked in Motloung Section was when he went to his mother’s house.
“He went there to fetch school documents, only to find that some of the people who burnt our house were there. They attacked and chased him away. That is where he was last seen,” he said.
“What really broke my heart was that after my house burnt down I could not get any help from social workers or the police. That is when my children realised they were not safe. We separated to look for a safe place to rest our heads.”
Mazibuko reminisced about the good old days when his children would visit during school holidays.
“It was nice to be with family, we were happy. I was doing my best to make them happy and for them to fit in like other children,” he said.
“I was like a mother. I always had to frequently go back home to check on my children when I was out.
“I want them to finish school and follow their dreams and aspiration, but they can’t go to school because I can’t find help from social workers.”
Masilo is pleading for food, clothes and blankets or any form of donations the community could afford to assist with, including building material to rebuild his home.
To make donations contact Joyce Cele on 063 078 7051 or Karabo on 065 512 3087.
Bank details
Name of bank: Tyme Bank
Account holder: Masilo Leonard Mazibuko
Account number: 510 253 4329
Branch code: 078 910
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