After ten months of frantically searching for her son, a ray of light finally came to Aneesa Gopie when her son, Faheem Sherriff, was found, safe.
As reported in the Newcastle Express ten months ago, Faheem went missing from his home in the early hours of 25 September 2021 after he was given an involuntary discharge from the Madadeni Provincial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17.
“The last few months have been mentally and physically exhausting for me. Not knowing where my son was, if he was safe, had he eaten, was he cold or was he lying dead somewhere; I had no idea,” said a tearful Gopie.
After a tip-off that he had been spotted in Carolina, Mpumalanga, Gopie immediately contacted the detectives who were on the missing person case. “I didn’t think much of it at the time as I thought that maybe it was just another false lead. I did not want to get my hopes up. A week later, on Friday, 24 June, together with the detectives, we took the three-hour long drive to Carolina,” said Gopie.
After asking around, the detectives were then pointed to a vacant home where Faheem was apparently living.
“Because of his mental state, we had to be so careful to not scare him,” said Gopie.
When Faheem recognised his mother, he ran to her and hugged her. Faheem is currently back at the Madadeni Hospital, where he is receiving medical care. There is still no clarity as to how he ended up in Mpumalanga.
The grateful mother wishes to extend her humble gratitude to the Newcastle community, friends, family and especially the investigating detectives, Sergeant Mchunu, Warrant Officer Duma, Sergeant Mbonane, Constable Mazibuko, Colonel Sibisi and Crime Fighter, Imraan Ghaffoor, as well as Moulana Rajab Matola.
“I am so thankful to everyone who assisted in finding my son, from the community members, family and the detectives. I am glad that he is safe and alive,” said Gopie.
