In a poignant statement issued on Tuesday, prominent South African media personality and health advocate Criselda Kananda announced her withdrawal from supporting Fezile Ngubane’s addiction rehabilitation journey, a cause she had passionately championed.
Her decision has stirred widespread attention across the nation. Kananda began by thanking South Africans for their generous support in aiding Ngubane’s rehabilitation.
“I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for the outpouring of support regarding the call to help Fezile Ngubane with his rehabilitation.”
Long term solution
Initially, the plan was to place Ngubane in a free rehab facility. However, Kananda noted that merely providing financial aid is not a long-term solution.
Her decision to step back comes after troubling revelations about the case. “I have decided to withdraw my engagement in Fezile’s case,” Kananda stated, expressing confidence that others who have adopted a different approach can carry the effort forward. She extended her best wishes to Ngubane and his family during this challenging period.
Delving deeper, Kananda hinted at a darker reality. She revealed that she has uncovered “a more complex and troubling reality” tied to syndicates involved in the situation.
Without providing specifics, she called on the security cluster to ramp up investigations.
“There are still far too many unanswered questions. And I urge the security cluster to intensify their investigations to help save more lives from the horrors that plague our country.”
Victim of identity theft
Ngubane, who works at a carwash, is a victim of identity theft. His identity was found among items seized belonging to one of the suspects in the murder of Olorato Mongale, 30. The suspect was shot and killed in a police shootout last week. Ngubane was believed to be one of the three suspects sought for Olorato’s murder. Over the weekend he was cleared by the police after handing himself over.
He later confessed to be battling drug addiction, adding that this episode may just be the turning point in his life of addiction. This prompted support for Kananda and many others.
Kananda’s comments have fuelled speculation about potential criminal networks. These are possibly linked to South Africa’s ongoing drug crisis. Citing the need to protect her loved ones, Kananda also shared personal reasons for her withdrawal.
“For the protection of my families, we choose to close this chapter. We do so knowing that our baby girl is resting peacefully,” she said, referring to her sister, Keabetswe Mongale and her late daughter, Olorato.
Call for SA to address challenge
“My heartfelt wish is for my sister, Keabetswe Mongale, Olorato’s mom and family to continue celebrating the cherished memories we created with our precious daughter.”
Kananda also issued a rallying cry to South Africans. She urged them to “awaken to the urgency of this crisis and to stand together in addressing the challenges our nation faces.”
She closed by expressing gratitude for the public’s prayers and support during this trying time.
Also Read: Olorato Mongale met her killers two days prior to her brutal murder
