Liswati studying in Zambia feared missing

Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, a Liswati student studying at the Zambia Institute for Medical and Psychological Studies, is feared to be missing since July 6.

The family of the student has made an urgent appeal for help in tracing her whereabouts, amid growing fears after she stopped communicating with her loved ones.

Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati was last heard from by her family on July 6, the day she was expected to return home after completing her examinations. Her aunt, Nontsetselelo Mndzebele, said the family had been left deeply worried after all attempts to reach Vilakati proved unsuccessful, with all her phones reportedly switched off.

Mndzebele said the family had been in contact with some of Vilakati’s fellow students in Zambia, who went to check where she lived. According to the students, Vilakati had packed her belongings and had told them that she was going home. However, the family has not been able to establish her whereabouts since then.

Mndzebele said the family had been working with Vilakati’s co-students in an effort to establish what could have happened to her, while also engaging her institution. She said the school had confirmed that Vilakati was indeed missing but had not yet opened a missing person case.

The aunt said the family had not yet reported the matter to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), as they were waiting for the school to formally open a case in Zambia. She said the Zambian police would also be informed as part of efforts to trace the missing student.

Mndzebele said the family had also been told by Vilakati’s friends that she had been communicating with her boyfriend, who is reportedly based in South Africa. While the family had no evidence linking anyone to Vilakati’s disappearance, Mndzebele said the information had heightened their concern and anxiety.

She said the family was particularly worried about Vilakati’s safety, given the dangers that could arise in relationships, but stressed that they were not accusing anyone of wrongdoing at this stage.

The circumstances surrounding Vilakati’s disappearance remain unclear and the family is appealing to anyone who may have information that could help establish her whereabouts to come forward.

Mndzebele urged anyone who may have seen Vilakati or knows anything about her whereabouts to contact her on 7617 5376. As the search continues, the family is appealing for the public’s assistance in helping bring Vilakati home safely.