When Mrs Motaung died, things were not so good for the Motaung girls. During the funeral, people and some family members promised to take care of them but they disappeared after the funeral.

Zuziwe was 21 years old when she decided to drop out of university to go job hunt in Durban so she could provide for her sisters Samke, who was 18 years, and 9-year-old Mpumi.

“Are you sure you will be fine Zuzu? Going to a place you don’t know and not knowing anyone can be risky for a girl at your age,” asked Samke. She was also concerned about taking care of house chores and Mpumi.

“Yes Samke don’t worry about me. All you can do is focus on your school work so you can pass your matric well.”

They said their goodbyes and Zuzu left.

She arrived in Durban and contacted her old high school friend who was studying at the Durban University of Technology to help her crash at her place.

“That’s okay but only if you will contribute with rent money monthly,” Sonto said. Zuzu started looking for a job but no luck.

After a week of rejection, she met a guy who sold her city dreams. They met in one of his bars while she was looking for a job.

“Excuse me sir, I’m here for an interview,”

“How are you miss? Why look for a job if you can be your own boss? A beautiful lady like you should not be working in such places,” he charmed. “Oh! I’m sorry dear, my name is Trevor and you are?”
She introduced herself.

“Nice meeting you Zuzu,” he reached for handshake.

“Likewise sir.”

“No just call me Trevor. How about we get some few drinks and get to know each other batter?” Zuzu agreed. She and Trevor became close.

Days later, Trevor introduced her to the cartel and showed her how to make money. They sold drugs and recruited women to join his escort services. She accepted the offer out of desperation.

But days later, Zuzu realised that in life there are no shortcuts. Carrying pistols and weapons everywhere was not what she wanted. She tried quitting but it was too late, she already knew too much about the business and how it operated. She tried running away but Trevor wouldn’t let her. She started working against her will and they no longer paid her; that was her punishment for trying to escape.

Months went by, no one heard from Zuzu again. Samke and Mpumi had nothing at home and they started begging on the streets.

After five months, Samke asked for help from her local church and they gave her money and took care of Mpumi so she could go to Durban to look for her sister. But, she left and no one heard from both of them ever again.

***

Tell us: What do you think happened to Zuzi and Samke?