MAKONDE – Top South African gospel star, Solly Moholo, paid a surprise visit to the families of ritual murder victims, the late Maanda Sendedza and the survivor, Nyelisani Sidimela, on Wednesday last week. As a sympathic gesture, both families were presented with R2 500 each.

Moholo is widely known for his uncompromising stance against ritual murder. On 16 June last year, he presented a cheque of R40 000 to the family of a ritual murder victim, Sello Chokwe.

Moholo became instantly successful and famous when he released his debut album, Die poppe sal dans, which sold more than 300 000 copies in 2001. He continued to make a name for himself when he came back with his second release Bammitsa tsotsi (200 000 copies sold) in 2002. His third album Ranta e wile, released in 2003, sold 220 000 copies. The fourth album Tsoha Jonase Nice time ia bolaya, released in 2004, sold 180 000 copies. Mandela o llela bana, released earlier this year, sold 250 000 copies and his latest album, Moruti Nthapelele, released three weeks ago, has already sold more than 50 000 copies.

The parents of the late Maanda Sendedza, Richard and Joyce, were delighted by Moholo’s surprise visit. When handing over the cheque, Moholo said he was deeply touched by what happened and he just came to share the grief with the families of the ritual murder victims.

“It is never true that people can become rich by using body parts. Only hard work and dedication can make one prosper. We still have a lot to do to eliminate these ritual murder practices because it is against humanity. I know how painful it is to lose someone you love through ritual murder practices. I know you need more power to go on with life in this time of your need.”

On behalf of the family, Richard Sendedza said the family is filled with gratitude for what Moholo has done. “We never thought that such a big name like Moholo can one day come to our thatched mud huts. We are very happy, although we are still grieving for our child, because we know there are people who care out there. Thank you, Solly Moholo, a thousand times. May the Almighty bless you for the rest of your life,” said Richard while accepting the cheque.