SAVF helps man to reunite with his family at Standerton after 11 long years

Mr Bheki Shabangu was reunited with one member of his family at the Standerton Hospital on Tuesday, November 23 after he went missing in 2010.

The SAVF in Standerton began the search in August to locate his next-of-kin.

Ms Hellen Marima, social worker, went home to Limpopo the weekend of August 6 to August 9 after her father had passed away.

She met an old acquaintance from an institution in Giyani and the women began talking, with Ms Marima saying she works in Standerton now.

“I was told they have a patient from Standerton and are trying to locate his family,” Ms Marima said.

While in Limpopo, she posted a message on Facebook on August 6 and a young woman from Standerton responded that it seems to be her brother.

Information was gradually gathered.

Back in town, Ms Nonhlanhla Shabangu, was invited to the offices of the SAVF and more than one telephone call resulted in a possible siblings, speaking to each other.

“Ms Shabangu confirmed that it was her brother’s voice,” Ms Marima said.

A five-hour-drive from the hospital Limpopo began at 5:30 on Tuesday.

The Standerton Advertiser had a conversation with Mr Shabangu on the benches of the Standerton Hospital on November 23.

Hospital administration was processing his files from the facility in Limpopo and he was to see a doctor.

Mr Shabangu was calm and has no recollection of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

He combats however, mental challenges, but recognised his sister upon arrival.

Their mother, whose full names he can remember, was unable to be present at the hospital due to health reasons.

Mr Shabangu was looking forward to russians and chips, with salt and vinegar, or fish and chips, or white bread and Coke.

The SAVF confirmed that the team at Standerton Hospital has taken over, looked at his medical reports and advised that he stays on his medication.

They drove afterwards to his home where his mother, siblings and one uncle waited on him.