The family of the Moti brothers who, in October 2021, were brazenly kidnapped on their way to school in Polokwane, LP, released a statement in response to a number of startling claims made against them.
What is the Moti family accused of?
A concerted effort led by various multidisciplinary teams from the South African police and private security firms culminated in the eventual rescue of the Moti brothers, Zia, Alwaan, Zayyad, and Zidan Moti, who were found in Vuyani three weeks after they were snatched violently on their way to Curro Heuwelkruin Independent School.
Since then, however, investigators looking to piece together the kidnapping, in a bid to track down and arrest the suspects involved, have had a difficult time dealing with the Moti family.
On Friday 14 January 2022, it was reported that the patriarch, Nazim Moti, filed a court interdict, effectively preventing his children from engaging with police who still have an investigation to conclude.
Investigators, it’s believed, are probing a number of eyebrow-raising developments that surfaced after the Moti brothers were suddenly released by their abductors without a word from the family on whether or not a ransom was paid.
The rumour mill suggests the cost to keep the brothers alive was a figure in the region of R50 million but, with the family allegedly not compliant in the investigation, the claim is treated as speculation.
Moti brothers family responds to police interdict claims
According to the Moti family, however, the accusations that have developed around their movements since the brothers’ release from capture are unfounded, to say the least.
In a statement, the family confirmed their decision to relocate to Dubai was in the interest of providing safety to their children, who “have not yet been able to live freely and without fear.”
“We have been forced to make some difficult decisions to ensure their safety and well-being, despite recent and sudden backlash,” the statement read.
The family vehemently described the claims of an interdict filed against the police as “a complete falsehood.”
“The truth can be confirmed with Major General [Samson] Manala,” the family added.
The Moti family stressed that the decision to move away from South Africa was to “create a safe environment for our boys to heal from the trauma caused by their terrifying ordeal.”
“Please understand that our boys need time to heal from what happened to them one morning on their way to school. We appeal to you all for privacy and your continued understanding so that these innocent young boys can go back to living a normal life,” the family wrote.