Thulisile Mapongwana
The father of nine-year-old Emaan Fatima Ghumman, who was kidnapped in Buffalo Flats earlier this month, has expressed gratitude to the community for their support during the ordeal.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Naeem Ghumman thanked the Buffalo Flats community, local pastors, social development officials, and the Department of Education for standing by the family until his daughter was safely returned.
“Words cannot fully express the relief and joy I feel in my heart now that my child is back home. This is a moment I will forever cherish and I am truly grateful for the support and strength shown by so many throughout this challenging time.”
Ghumman also extended his gratitude to the Pakistani community for their unwavering support.
“Their support, outreach and strength which has been felt by my family - we are forever grateful for your kindness.”
Emaan was abducted on February 3rd while returning home from Dreamland Primary School and was released near Inyibiba police station nine days later.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
Ghumman revealed that his daughter suffered a shoulder injury due to her arm being twisted as a form of torture. He also shared that she is still struggling with the psychological effects of the incident.
"At night she crawls into a ball and it is pretty clear she is still reliving the trauma of her abduction."
The little girl was abducted outside a school owned by her father, which is situated directly across from Buffalo Flats Primary School. Ghumman addressed the learners and teachers from both schools.
“Your support means the world to us, you have shown immense care and we truly appreciate all that you have done to help us through this suffering.”
Acting Principal, Nobathandwa Dingaan of Dreamland Primary School shared the emotional toll the ordeal had on students and staff.
“The learners, teachers, and parents were scared, asking if they should send their kids to school. All the time Emaan was not here the learners kept asking us when Emaan was coming back and we did not have those answers.”
She also called for government intervention, urging authorities to take decisive action.
“I wish the government could take action to see the perpetrators be found and go to jail.”
Following his open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ghumman made another heartfelt plea for the protection of foreign nationals, particularly business owners.
“Please protect the foreign national business owners who are contributing so much to the prosperity of this country. We play a crucial role in reducing unemployment, creating job opportunities and boosting the economy. Our hard work and commitment are vital to the growth and development of South Africa. We must be protected, recognised and supported for the value that we bring to the communities.”
Ghumman also mentioned that he currently employs 14 workers.
Community leaders and pastors, including Dudley Joseph Selwyn Young, have supported the family through the ordeal. Young emphasized that in the 16 years of Buffalo Flats’ establishment, this was the first time such an incident had occurred.
“The community has come together to form its own initiative between community and police. We want the protection of our children and women. We want to invite principals to ensure their schools become safe havens for children who are not picked up in time. We experience regular break-ins and the damage of infrastructure and we are appealing to police to be visible, especially at night.”
He added that the Buffalo Flats community is planning a march on March 1st to hand over a petition to the local police station, demanding more resources to tackle crime.
Meanwhile, DA Councillor, Shandre Hoffman praised the community’s unity in the face of adversity.
“It was heart-warming to see such an unfortunate situation ignite the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ in the community. Just a week before the incident we held a community meeting with SAPS to strengthen our relationships to protect ourselves because the lack of resources in police will not change overnight. We are happy Emaan is back home.”
