A PRESS STATEMENT

 

The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) is deeply concerned about the welfare of Zia, Alaan, Zayyad and Zidan, the four boys from the Moti family in Polokwane, who were abducted on Wednesday 20 October 2021, and whose whereabouts have since remained unknown.

 

JUSA calls upon state authorities to make the investigation of this brazen case of kidnapping involving young children, a matter of priority. Furthermore, we call upon all members of the public, across the country, to continue assisting law enforcement authorities so that the boys can be found and get reunited with their family safely.

 

It is a cowardly act to endanger the lives of young children, through such kidnappings, a phenomenon which we have seen lamentably taking root in the country, in recent years. We commend individuals and communities that have shown solidarity through their calls for the safe return of the boys, and their support for the Muslim community of Polokwane in general, and the boys’ family, in particular.

 

This is a moment when we rally together to unequivocally condemn such criminal acts whose perpetrators have to be apprehended and brought to book, in order to ensure the safety and security of our neighbourhoods, especially for our innocent young ones, wherever they may be.

 

Our thoughts and fervent prayers are for the boys, their relatives and friends, as we express our support for the Moti family, in these testing times filled with anguish, uncertainty and trepidation.

Issued by:

 

The Executive Committee
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

 

24 October 2021