ZWELETHEMBA – Community members were relieved yet concerned as Liyema Moya (15), who went missing on 24 March, was found on 1 April after a one-week search. The teenager’s unexpected disappearance sent shock waves through the small community, prompting a collaborative effort to locate her.
Liyema’s mother, Phaphama Moya, expressed her grief during the heartbreaking search period. “I couldn’t eat or sleep, not knowing where my child was,” she recounted.
“I was just expecting a body lying somewhere to bury. I could not have guessed where she could have been.” The distress of not knowing the whereabouts of her child, whom she described as not being a troublemaker, was visible.
Phaphama revealed Liyema had disappeared to stay with her 17-year-old boyfriend after spending the night out. “It’s the first time I learned of this boyfriend, and Liyema said she felt scared to return home after not sleeping at home.” The unexpected turn of events left her family surprised. Nolubabalo Siyolo, a community member who tirelessly spearheaded the search for Liyema, showing empathy in the face of distress over possible loss. She expressed shock on learning of Liyema’s situation. “I first took this lightly, but as days passed this didn’t seem like a mere disappearance, as I noted her non-naughty behaviour and limited social circle.
“We were worried because Zwelethemba is quite small, and we are parents ourselves.”
The successful resolution of Liyema’s case was credited to the collaborative efforts of the community, the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Forum and dedicated detective.
Phaphama Moya expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the search and stressed the importance of supporting children emotionally and mentally.
