[imagesource: Supplied by Moti family]

The Moti family survived an unimaginable ordeal last year when four brothers – Zidan, Zayyad, Alaan, and Zia – were kidnapped en route to school in Polokwane.

The public was largely kept in the dark regarding ransom demands and what was happening with the investigation. In November, it was reported that the family paid a R50 million ransom to secure the safe release of the children, although this was denied by a spokesperson for the Motis.

R45 million was allegedly paid in cash with R5 million worth of diamonds making up the rest.

All things considered, you can’t blame the family for packing up and moving abroad and maintaining silence regarding the matter.

They’re now finally speaking out, reports IOL, denying issuing an interdict against the police and confirming that they have relocated to Dubai:

…the Moti family has asked South Africans to understand why they 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.

Image: Supplied to Polokwane Observer

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.”

That contradicts what SAPS spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda said last Sunday when he stated that the Moti family had obtained an interdict that blocked police from interviewing any family members.

The statement goes on to say the move abroad came about “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”.

It finishes by saying that the four boys need time to heal, and the family “still hope for a day when we can safely return to our beloved South Africa”.

[source:iol]