Still no trace of kidnapped Lizalise – and no police feedback, says dad
THE devastated family of Lizalise Makuzeni – the baby who was kidnapped at a Walmer clinic in October – is still awaiting feedback from the police after months of uncertainty.
Lizalise was just two months old when she was taken by an unknown woman from her mother, Phezisa Makuzeni, 22, who had visited the clinic on October 5.
Makuzeni had handed Lizalise to the woman when she offered to assist them with supplies.
The woman then disappeared with Lizalise while Makuzeni consulted the doctor.
She was last seen taking a taxi at a Port Elizabeth taxi rank.
Lizalise’s father, Simthembile Mgushelwa, 32, said yesterday the family was still hopeful that their little girl would be found, even though the police had not given them an update on the case since the kidnapping.
“My heart is bleeding. As a family, we have never recovered from losing Lizalise and we wait everyday hoping we will get word from the police but nothing,” Mgushelwa said.
“I stayed behind over the Christmas period in case news came. I did not want the police to find the house empty if Lizalise was found.
“I also did not know what I would say to my parents at home when they asked where our baby was,” the father of two said.
Mgushelwa said he had had a black Christmas as the rest of his family had gone to relatives in Dutywa over the holiday period.
He understood why Makuzeni had left without letting him know, as “something in her had changed ever since the little girl was taken”.
“My heart breaks each time I see a child who is more or less Lizalise’s age, as I cannot help but wonder what my little girl can do now – is she crawling or walking?” a teary eyed Mgushelwa said.
The Herald could not reach Makuzeni for comment.
An identikit of the suspect was drawn up in October with the assistance of Makuzeni and distributed.
The woman who snatched Lizalise is believed to be from Zwide.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said the matter was still being investigated.
“We urge the community to come forward with any information,” Labans said.
He could not comment on the alleged lack of police feedback as he was unable to get in touch with the investigating officer.