Fiona Matodzi's 10th birthday was on 28 August, but this year, her family could not celebrate it with her. Fiona was kidnapped on her way home from school by an unknown person in a black Toyota Yaris on 11 August.
The family members have searched everywhere, but in vain. Fiona is one of many children who have been reported missing in the Vhembe District.
Last weekend, local bishops, pastors and members of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Alpheus Malivha District visited the family in Itsani, along with Dr Tshenuwani Farisani and other bishops, to pray for them.
SACP provincial representative Advocate Dovhani Mamphiswana said they were concerned about the increasing number of children being targeted by kidnappers. "We heard about this incident and that the case is not moving. We felt that we should visit the family to get an update. As there are things we cannot do on our own, we brought bishops along to pray for the safe return of the child. We want them to know that we are with them in these difficult times. We will prioritise this case, following it closely with the police and other relevant stakeholders," he said.
The Alpheus Malivha District's secretary, Mr Subongile Kotane, called on communities to revive street committees and community-safety committees to complement the work done by the police. "Let us all do whatever we can to ensure the safe return of the child," he said.
Fiona's aunt, Ms Mpho Mufunwaini, said the family members were very disappointed about the way the case was being handled. "I just wish I was a resident of Nzhelele. Here we are on our own as a family. No one is assisting us. We wake up every day and go out searching," she said.
A small amount of money was also donated to the family to help them with travelling costs.