On February 7, Mbali Nkosi would have celebrated her 16th birthday with her family in Dube, but there was nothing to celebrate on the day. Mbali has been missing for seven months.
Her younger siblings have since begged their father, Edwin Magwai, to buy a cake to celebrate their sister’s birthday. This was after Magwai had returned from work on the day without a cake.
Magwai described the day as a quiet and disturbing one.
“I tried keeping myself busy to shift my mind from her disappearance. It wasn’t easy. I eventually promised to buy the cake month-end.
“I still feel there is nothing to celebrate. Mbali is not home and her siblings don’t understand,” said the distressed father.
Mbali had left home on July 20, 2011 to buy meat at the nearby Shoprite centre in Dube, but never returned home.
Her mother Zodwa was the last person to hear Mbali’s voice after she had sent a “please call me” message later on the day she disappeared.
Mbali said “Mama”, then the phone cut and she has not been heard of or seen since.
Her disappearance has since affected Zodwa, who was admitted at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
Both families believe that their little girl is still out on the streets.
According to Magwai, 37, they have received numerous anonymous calls informing them about his daughter’s whereabouts.
“We were told she had been sighted in Bramfischerville, Vosloorus and Dube Hostel. When we visited the places, we didn’t find her.
“At times I lost hope, but I am confident that my daughter is out there,” said Magwai.
He said he received a call on Sunday morning when the caller requested R1 000 and that Mbali would be found.
“I made arrangements with the caller, but when I arrived at the place we arranged to meet at, the man wasn’t there.”
Mbali’s uncle, Vusi Nkosi, says he will not stop searching for his niece.
He said watching his niece’s schoolmates walking to school every morning pained him as she disappeared wearing her school uniform.
Mbali, who dreamt of becoming a nurse, would have been a Grade 9 pupil at Orlando West High School this year.
Police spokesman Constable Sibusiso Chauke said the case was still being investigated.
l Anyone with information is requested to phone Edwin Magwai at 082 493 0909 or contact the nearest police station. - The Star