POLOKWANE – The Moti family, whose four young sons were kidnapped in 2021, issued a statement confirming that the family has relocated to Dubai to provide a safer environment for their children.
In the statement, they also deny reports stating that they obtained an interdict against the police to prevent them from continuing with the investigation. The family thanked the public for their continued support.
Read more: Moti kidnapping: Surprise interdict stuns police
Zidan (7), Zayyad (11), Alaan (13) and Zia (15) Moti were kidnapped on October 20 and were returned to their family three weeks later, on November 11. The Moti family at the time did not want to speak to the media, saying this would be arranged at a less sensitive time.
Read more: Moti brothers safely home: #YouBroughtThemHome
On January 9, reports of the family having obtained an interdict against the SAPS surfaced, which police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed to Review at the time. The family, however, denies that this was done.
The Moti family statement reads as follows:
“To the South African public and media:
Firstly, thank you South Africa for the prayers, love, and support you have shown us.
Your strength carried us through a time no parent should have to endure.
Please understand why we have been silent. Since our four sons were returned to us, we have been living in fear of reprisal which could be caused by speaking out and drawing any further attention to ourselves.
Our boys came home to us but have not yet been able to live freely and without fear. We have been forced to make some difficult decisions to ensure their safety and well-being, despite the recent and sudden backlash.
Ultimately, all of you were with us through the nightmare we endured, and we hope and pray that we will have your understanding now.
We have not issued an interdict against the police. The media reports about an interdict are a complete falsehood, and the truth can be confirmed with Major General Manala from the SAPS.
Our sudden departure was beyond our control and a reluctant one at that – as any parent would understand, the safety of our children comes first.
or now, we have relocated in order to create a safe environment for our boys to heal from the trauma caused by their terrifying ordeal, which many have failed to grasp the gravity and seriousness of.
We still hope for a day when we can safely return to our beloved South Africa.
Please understand that our boys need time to heal from what happened to them one morning on their way to school. We appeal to you all for privacy and your continued understanding so that these innocent young boys can go back to living a normal life.
South Africa is and always will be our home.
Naazim, Shakira, Zia, Alaan, Zayyad and Zidan Moti.”
Earlier today, Afrikaans weekly newspaper Rapport reported that the kidnapping was arranged following a money-making scheme of millions of Rand was not followed through on. The scheme reportedly involves a family member who lives overseas.
Details surrounding the Moti brothers’ kidnapping may possibly never be known.
