Watch: Mother thanks eMalahleni community after son’s body is found
The community got together and helped search for the five-year-old boy after he was reported missing earlier this week.
The discovery of the body of Shaydino Padda (5) was devastating news to the eMalahleni community who had been searching for him since Tuesday, when he was reported missing when his father did not return him to his mother after a visit.
Bokkie, as the boy was lovingly known, was found in an open field near Van De Venter Street in the Central Business District on Wednesday.
“I knew Bokkie was dead but I kept on hoping, praying and searching for my boy. But deep inside I already expected the worse,” Marlies Jan, the boy’s mother told the Witbank News.
While she speaks to the newspaper, tears run down her face and the toll of the last few days is clearly visible.
Jan said Bokkie was with his father for the weekend and her concern grew when he did not bring their son back to her as they arranged on Sunday, November 20.
“I spoke to his father’s family and they assured me Bokkie is safe.”
When Jan returned home after work on Monday, she discovered that some of her clothes were missing from a cupboard and she also noticed a pile of dirty clothes from her son on the floor.
“It’s a mystery why Bokkie’s father would take my clothes. My concern grew and an unsettling uneasiness came over me,” said Jan.
She opened a missing person’s report at Witbank Police Station and frantically started searching for her son. Social media was inundated as everyone shared the missing person’s flyer.
Jan then received news that Bokkie’s father had allegedly committed suicide.
“My whole world changed with that one single telephone call. I knew finding my son was not going to have a happy ending.”
Her son’s body was eventually discovered a few blocks from where his father’s body was found. Police say they do not suspect foul play in the man’s death.
The mother of two says she is still struggling to come to terms and cope with the sudden loss.
“I am empty. I have too many questions and very few answers.”
She says she finds comfort in knowing that Bokkie pulled the Emalahleni community together in prayer.
Bokkie’s mom says thank you, see the video here:
Read original story on witbanknews.co.za
