Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A heartbroken Bulawayo mother is living every parent’s worst nightmare after her two young children allegedly vanished in the custody of their father, who is accused of sending chilling threats suggesting he intended to kill himself and the children.
For Angeline Ndlovu (38), every passing hour without news of her children feels like torture.
Her desperate plea is simple: “Bring my babies back home alive.”
Five-year-old Nkosana Smile Sibanda and his 10-year-old sister Shauna Sibanda, both from Njube suburb, have been missing since last Friday after allegedly being taken by their father, Smile Sibanda (45), of Pumula South.
Police say the children are believed to be in danger.
According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the disturbing ordeal began on 22 May at around 5.30PM when the children’s father met their mother at Njube Shops and requested to spend the weekend with the children.
“The mother agreed and released the children to their father,” said Insp Msebele.
But what initially appeared to be a routine visit soon descended into terror.
Police say that on the following morning, at around 8.18AM, Smile Sibanda allegedly contacted the children’s mother and instructed her to check her WhatsApp messages.
What she allegedly saw left her shattered.
According to police, the mother received a disturbing video showing the two children tied on both hands and feet in what appeared to be a bushy area.
The suspect allegedly followed up with a chilling voice note warning the mother that it would be the last time she would ever see her children alive and instructing her to prepare funeral arrangements for him and the children.
The horrifying messages have triggered panic and fear among family members and residents.
As winter temperatures continue to drop, Angeline says her anxiety is growing by the day.
“The children are still very young. I am worried about where they are sleeping, whether they have eaten or if they are even safe,” she said.
She alleges the children’s father had threatened to harm them after she refused to rekindle their relationship.
Now, her only wish is for the children to be returned home safely.
Police have since launched investigations and are treating the father as the prime suspect in the matter.
Insp Msebele appealed to members of the public for any information that may help investigators locate the missing children and their father.
“Anyone with information that may assist in locating the missing children or their father may contact ZRP Njube on (0292) 412096 or report to any nearest police station,” she said.
