After speculations that the Moti family fleed the county after interdicting the police, the family released a statement explaining their side of the story.
The Moti family explains their silence
The statement was released on Sunday and the Moti family thanked South Africans for their support and assistance and asked that everyone understand their silence.
“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.”
Media reports are a “complete falsehood”
Furthermore, the family denied applying for an interdict against the police and that all reports based on this were false.
“The media reports about an interdict is a complete falsehood, and the truth can be confirmed with Major General Manala from SAPS.”
And since their return after being kidnapped for three weeks last year, the Moti brothers have not “lived freely and without fear”. Thus, the family was “forced” to make difficult decisions.
“We have been forced to make some difficult decisions to ensure their safety and wellbeing, despite the recent and sudden backlash,” the statement read.
The Moti family claims that their departure was out of their control
According to the statement, the family’s decision to suddenly leave South Africa was a “reluctant one”. The relocation was solely to have the boys in a safe environment.
“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 their trauma caused by their terrifying ordeal, which many failed to grasp the gravity and seriousness of.”
The Moti family ended their statement by saying that South Africa will always be their “home”, but for now they are asking for privacy as their boys try to live a normal life again.
“Our boys need time to heal from what happened to them on the morning on their way to school. We appeal to you all for privacy and for your continued understanding so that Zia, Alaan, Zayyad, and Zidan can go back to living a normal life.”
Moti family statement. #Kidnapping pic.twitter.com/EWs12Hx40o
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 16, 2022