By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Moti family, whose children were kidnapped and held for ransom last year, issued a statement to fellow South Africans, thanking the public for their support.
The four brothers were abducted on the morning of 20 October, on their way to Curro Heuwelkruin in Polokwane, a private school along the R37, near the N1 bypass.
The statement read: “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 difficult decisions to ensure their safety and wellbeing, despite the recent and sudden backlash.
“We have not issued an interdict against the police. The media reports about the interdict is a complete falsehood, and the truth can be confirmed by Major-General Manala from 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. For now, we have relocated in order to create a safe environment for our boys to heal from the trauma of the 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.” The Motis added that the boys need time to heal so they can go back to living a “normal life”.
The statement was signed off by the six Moti family members who are in Dubai.
Meanwhile the private investigators have pleaded with the Moti family to assist police in their investigation into the high-profile kidnapping case.