Distraught mother fears for safety of abducted son

A TERRIFIED young mother cannot bare the thought of perhaps never seeing her son again after he disappeared from their home at uMkhobose Reserve outside eSikhaleni last week.

While playing with his cousin outside a church service tent next to the KwaMpanza rental cottages at 7pm on Tuesday, Maneliswa ‘Mlungu’ Ntombela (4) was, according to eyewitnesses, abducted by unknown men travelling in a silver double-cab bakkie.

In a Zululand Observer exclusive, his mother, Hloniphile Ntombela (22), said not knowing his whereabouts terrifies her to the core.

‘I keep wondering if he is still alive, whether they give him food and if he is warm. He is probably scared not knowing where he is and misses his mother,’ cried Hloniphile.

‘I just want my son back, to hear his voice when he laughs, hold and play with him.’

The alleged kidnapping sent shock waves throughout the community, with residents speculating that his abduction was related to muti killings.

‘Those who practice black magic target albinos. There is a belief their body parts make strong muti,’ said an elderly neighbour.

Community uproar
The community expressed their anger about what they claimed was the insensitive response by the police
‘We reported it to the police but nothing was done. When they finally arrived two days later, they were laughing, making jokes and insulting residents with a no care attitude,’ said cottage landlord, Minenhle Mpanza.

Emotions ran high on Thursday morning when furious residents assembled at the alleged kidnapping scene, accusing ward 16 Councillor Nonhlahla Cele of ‘dragging her feet’ and ‘not assisting the family’.

‘A young boy vanished and she didn’t even call, offered help or even called the police,’ said Mpanza.

Outraged residents demanded CCTV footage from the traffic lights where the getaway car apparently passed at the eDepho area.

However according to KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane a search was conducted by the K9 Unit, but couldn’t find the missing boy.

Anyone with information can contact Lieutenant Colonel Makhosi Ncube of the Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on 082 557 0465 or via the Crime Stop number 086 0010111.