Sinqobile Zanele Msimanga. Picture: Supplied
An emotional Pansy Msimanga, the mother of Unisa law student Sinqobile Zanele Msimanga, has expressed gratitude after her daughter who was reported missing, returned home.
Sinqobile was taken to hospital on Tuesday for medical attention. The mother said her daughter is not well mentally and she lost so much weight after being away for almost 18 days.
The mother, from Springs in Ekurhuleni, reached out to The Star last week after she complained that police did not assist her when seeking to report her daughter as missing.
Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza immediately after receiving a call from The Star, organised that Msimanga meet with springs Police Station Commander, a case was then registered.
Msimanga informed Sinqobile’s uncle, police and The Star about a withdrawal from an ATM at Bluebird Centre, north of Johannesburg, on Monday.
The police, together with the uncle, rushed to the area and found her sitting alone at a park near the shopping centre.
Msimanga said the moment her brother confirmed that indeed they found Sinqobile, she was filled with mixed emotions, especially joy.
The mother said her daughter left home on July 4 after she scolded her to be serious with the one module she is left with, in order to complete her LLB degree.
She said she jokingly told her to leave her house if she is not serious with her studies. Indeed Sinqobile took her bank card, ID and licence. She left her cellphone behind hence the mother was able to see withdrawals from her account, since her disappearance.
Msimanga said her daughter had a history of mental challenges but has never left home. She said she was not aware how much stress Sinqobile was under. She said shortly after she disappeared, the family checked for clues in her bedroom and they found medication to deal with stress.
She said when police and the uncle brought Sinqobile home she could not hold herself.
“All I did was to glorify the living God that I serve. I was so happy because when you think that many parents don’t find their children when they go missing. God showed his grace, I saw how big he is, I found myself asking how different am I from other people, thank you God thank you,” said Msimanga.
She said after she was found, her daughter was first taken to Bramley police station where a statement was taken.
She said there were also sergeants who offered counselling at the police station before taking her to her home.
“When I asked Sinqobile why she went that far, she told me that she was afraid that locals would see her and she was also scared that I would be cross with her. She said she stayed in the streets because she did not want me to feel pain. She told me she was sleeping at shops and garages, she had a box and a small fleece blanket that she used to sleep. She was alone, she had no friends, she had no one,” said Msimanga.
She said Sinqobile told her that she withdrew money to buy food and also look for employment.
Msimanga said she was not aware that she took her CV when she left home.
“Sinqobile has lost so much weight and one can visibly see that mentally she is not okay. I still have to take her to a psychiatrist. I am hopeful that she is going to be okay,” Msimanga said.
Kweza indeed confirmed that Sinqobile had been found.
“The African female, Sinqobile Msimanga, who was reported missing at Springs SAPS recently, has been found. Police followed up on a withdrawal on her bank account on Monday 22 July. Police together with her uncle proceeded to the mall in Bramley where she was found sitting in a park nearby. She was well and alone carrying a bag that she bought in Daveyton Mall after leaving her house,” Kweza said.
Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. It includes emotional, psychological, and social functioning. If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are resources available to support you.
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) operations director Cassey Chambers said they are ready to assist the family.
Chambers advised South Africans who may need help to call the group on 0800 70 80 90 or 0800 456 789 for free telephone counselling, support, referrals and information. People can also SMS 31393 and they will call them back.
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za