UPDATE: Family reunited with missing loved one
A mother has not spent a birthday with her son for over 15 years, but this year is different.
Japie Scotland celebrated his 64th birthday at Vanilla Bean Coffee Shop on August 31, amongst his mother, Lina (86) and sisters Tiny and Rose, as well as community members who arranged the birthday bash, many of whom are members of the Benoni Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The City Times ran an article on Japie in July, in which it was claimed that he was held against his will at a Lakefield home for years.
Speaking to the City Times on July 28, Ekurhuleni Central Cluster commander Maj-Gen Poobalan Subbiah said police went to the Lakefield property on July 22, where they found Japie.
At the time, Manogari Moonsammy, who is head of the Benoni CPF’s Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative (VCSI), said she made the discovery two months prior when responding to a domestic incident at the home.
“It was noted that the male helper appeared to be wounded and crippled,” Moonsammy said on Facebook.
“Concern and a sheer gut feeling prompted a follow-up visit, where it was discovered that Japie appeared to be in a severe state of neglect, and in need of urgent medical attention.”
The City Times spoke to Japie and his mother at the birthday celebration. She said her son disappeared in the early ’80s.
“We searched for him but we could not find him anywhere,” said Lina.
Japie worked with his father, who was a truck driver for an Actonville family.
One day, Japie failed to return home – and in the past 15 to 18 years, his family had no idea where he was.
Leading up to that time, Japie’s sisters said they knew his whereabouts and they would sometimes see him, but Japie refused to go home for much more than a few days.
“Many people thought I was dead.” said Japie, while seated next to his mother.
The 64-year-old said he does not know why he never went home, but said he is happy to have made contact with his family, after he was reunited with them a few weeks ago through a social worker.
Lina explained that a social worker arrived at their Daveyton home with her son in the car.
“I saw a woman (social worker) come and we all ran to the car and we were very happy,” she said.
“We all asked where he was, and they said ‘here, in the car.’”
Lina said she does not know why her son never came home, but that she is not cross with him, but rather relieved that she has her child back.
“I was just happy to see him, because I am scared he leaves again,” Lina added.
“We are starting afresh,” Japie said when asked about his plans for the future.
Japie was mum on questions about alleged abuse.
A case under the Protection of Older Persons Act has been opened at the Benoni Police Station.
No arrests have been made.
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