Dalphine Tagwireyi
One day a year, the world gives thought to International Albinism Awareness Day. But for 365 days a year, an Mpumalanga family is made to fear for the life of their young daughter living with albinism.
There have been several failed abduction attempts of three-year-old Thandokuhle Mkhonza from the family’s home in Barberton.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Thandokuhle’s aunt Bhelina Nkonyane, 32, said that they live in fear once the sun sets.
In October 2020, Nkonyane said that they were woken up to terrifying screams that were coming from her sister’s room outside where she was sleeping with the baby.
The door to the room had been broken down by the alleged kidnappers as they tried to gain entry.
“We moved them inside the main house in my bedroom and we pushed couches and the bed against the door. Three men vandalised the main door and struck my father on his head with a steel bar. After I screamed for help, they ran away,” she said.
Nkonyane said that they called police and social workers, who advised them to either move the baby or tighten their security.
“Sadly our father passed away in January 2021 and a month later we were attacked once again, with men shouting that we must bring Thando to them. Fortunately alert community members came to our rescue,” she said.
“We were forced to find alternative accommodation for Thando. We asked an elderly woman in the area who stayed with her adult male sons to assist us. But at the end of 2021 we unfortunately had to take Thando back as the elderly woman had become sickly.”
The latest attempt on little Thando happened in April. The family has strengthened their security, but they no longer have a male figure to protect them.
“People need awareness that people living with albinism do not possess superpowers. They are human beings just like everyone else,” she said.
Sibusiso Mthembu, chairperson of the Mpumalanga Albinism Association, said people with albinism were being abducted and killed for muti as it was believed their body parts bring good fortune.
“Our children are not safe in schools, and in the communities that we live in people view us as lucky charms so with the organisation, we have created a safe community to protect ourselves against the misinformation people had about people living with albinism.”
Image source: @TheIndependent
