Since 9 August 2022, Ms Tshilidzi Mufunwaini has lived with pain, unanswered questions and the faint hope that her nine-year-old daughter, Fiona Matodzi, will one day return home.
Fiona disappeared on her way back from Dzindi Primary School, just a few metres from home. According to her mother, she was last seen by friends getting into a black VW Polo. Since that day, her family has neither seen nor heard from her.
"It was in the afternoon after school. She was walking home with her friends, but she never made it. Someone took her in a black Polo, her friends said. Since then, nothing. No call. No trace," said an emotional Ms Mufunwaini.
The pain of Fiona's disappearance has left deep scars on the family. "We are not fine. We are just living by the grace of God. Her siblings can't even celebrate their birthdays anymore. It's like a part of our home died with Fiona's disappearance."
Ms Mufunwaini is battling depression and grief. "I am living with deep pain. I feel like I have nothing to live for. Even a dead person is better. I feel as if I have failed to protect my baby."
Adding to her pain is what she describes as a lack of urgency and commitment from the authorities handling her daughter's case. "Honestly, I feel justice is failing Fiona. Her case is being taken for granted. If I don't call, they don't call. And even when I do, nothing positive comes out of it. They've already forgotten about Fiona's case," she said.
Fiona's belongings, including her schoolbag and books, were found on 6 September 2023 near the Gologodo River in Tshivhuyuni village. DNA samples were collected, but the results are still pending. The case is being handled by the provincial missing persons task team, but Ms Mufunwaini said she saw no real progress.
While the system may be failing her, Ms Mufunwaini finds solace in the kindness of strangers. "People have been trying their best to use social media and find her. I thank them every day – may God bless them. Even my community helped immediately after Fiona disappeared. But as for our traditional leader, they cut ties with us for reasons we still don't know."
Support has come in various forms. Some have offered psychological help; others have tried to keep the search alive. But she says more can and should be done. "Fiona deserves justice too. We need marches, action, and most importantly, police must arrest those threatening or misleading people trying to help."
W/O Vuledzani Dathi, a spokesperson for the police in Vhembe, confirmed that the case remains open and under active investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist the police in locating Fiona Matodzi is urged to contact Sgt Mutele Romeo on (072) 083-3273.