The Zondo and Dlomo families are urgently seeking assistance from the community in locating Simenyiwe Dlomo Zondo, who has been missing since 16 August.
Sanele Zondo, the Inkatha Freedom Party Member of Parliament, has issued a press release following his wife’s disappearance. The last communication with Simenyiwe was at approximately 11:00 AM on 16 August, when she informed Sanele she was heading to Richards Bay for shopping. Sanele, who was not at home at the time, did not know what she was wearing.
However, according to ZiMOJA, Simenyiwe’s father, Nkosinathi Dlomo, has revealed troubling details about the circumstances leading up to her disappearance. Nkosinathi states that Simenyiwe reported dissatisfaction with her husband shortly after their marriage in March. She claimed that Sanele had discussed paying Lobola for a third wife, which she opposed. When she voiced her disapproval, Simenyiwe says Sanele responded with physical violence. Additionally, Simenyiwe’s father further explained that she returned home in June, stating her intention to leave Sanele due to ongoing abuse.
“My daughter was not happy with her husband. They got married in March and already he was talking about paying lobola for a third wife. When she told him she did not approve, he hit her[..] What kind of man goes and pays lobola for a third wife when he has not fulfilled his promises to his other wife? My daughter was right to walk away from this. Sanele is a typical politician who will smooth talk you into everything,” he told the publication.
The mentioned publication further states that Simenyiwe’s father believes Simenyiwe met with her husband on the day she left for Richards Bay. “We don’t know what to believe now. I don’t trust politicians, especially with their history. They have a way of talking themselves out of issues. They probably met on that day but I don’t know for sure. I’ve heard he’s been issuing statements on our behalf, but he hasn’t spoken to me directly,” Nkosinathi shared.
According to IOL, KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed a missing person inquiry has been opened at Hluhluwe police station for further investigation.
