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The mother of the missing Rihanna Moshoeshoe, Mpho, has expressed her dissatisfaction over the lack of support displayed by the justice system in the Northern Cape.
In expressing solidarity with the Magwadibane family regarding the case of six-year-old Keitumetse, which was struck off the court roll by the magistrate two weeks ago, Moshoeshoe said she was deeply disturbed by the ruling.
Moshoeshoe spoke on Sunday (04/12) morning when members of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League visited her house to render a prayer service before the final game of the annual Rihanna Moshoeshoe tournament.
This year, the members incorporated the Magwadibane family in their roadshow to highlight the fight against child trafficking and 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children.
According to Moshoeshoe, although she has not yet had the chance to meet the Magwadibane family, she felt pain for them.
“I need to go to them, as we are going through the same kind of pain, especially because they are being given a raw deal by the law,” said Moshoeshoe.
“The case was struck from the court roll, leaving the four suspects to go free due to lack of evidence against them.
“How does the magistrate strike the case off the roll when the child has not been found yet? How will justice be served when the people linked to the disappearance of the child are walking the streets freely?”
Wishing the family strength through these trying times, Moshoeshoe wishes to remind the Magwadibane parents that God is there.
According to Moshoeshoe, she has not yet given up hope that her child is alive after going missing seven years ago.
“As Rihanna’s mother, I know deep down that my daughter is still alive. I would have told you if she was no more. Motherly instincts are strong feelings that no mother can ignore.”
She said that although the accused has been sentenced to life imprisonment, it did not allow her to believe that her child was not alive anymore.
Moshoeshoe lauded the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League’s perseverance in hosting the event, especially considering that the membership includes only males.
“I really admire the fact that the men are now not only participating in, but driving, the 16 Days initiative.
“I wish women could show similar willingness by coming on board, because we cannot allow another child to go missing.”
Moshoeshoe expressed her pride in witnessing how the Rihanna Moshoeshoe tournament was going from strength to strength.
