After writing an article last week about Natasha and Chris, I
honestly believed I would have some peace. Well, there was no peace; it is like
being between heaven and hell and trying to find a solution to a problem that
is a nightmare. The story ended with a glimmer of hope for Natasha as she
finally received some help through a home for destitute and abused people. That
was the only happy conclusion and sadly, to say Chris was adamant about not
wanting help.
The week’s journey for both of them was terrible especially for
Natasha, and it is with total anguish within my heart that I write an update.
A new week of Hell for Natasha
Last week on Saturday, Natasha arrived at a home for
destitute people. She had all her earthly belongings with her. The people at
the facility appeared caring and loving. When I left, I felt at peace and knew
she would finally get the help she so desperately needed.
On Sunday, Natasha disappeared from the facility and walked
aimlessly through the streets of Boksburg. Completely lost and afraid, she asked
a security guard at Boksburg Civic Centre to phone. (My cell number was the
only number she could remember). I asked him to take her back to the home, and
he obliged.
Early Tuesday morning, I received a call from an unknown number;
it was Natasha, and she told me she was in Kempton Park. I was horrified and
asked her to go back to the home in Boksburg. She ended the call.
Wednesday, Natasha managed to arrive back at the room she
and Chris shared in Kenilworth, south of Johannesburg. I received a message
from the owner who appeared to be distraught with her returning and for the
sake of peace, let her into the property. Within minutes of entering the
backroom, she went berserk, broke everything in the room and threw it outside. Chris
had a tarantula spider in a small glass tank that Natasha threw it outside and
broke the glass. The spider has disappeared. (Scary). Natasha destroyed and
broke everything they had owned, the computer and the refrigerator door was wrecked.
Where she got, the strength to deliver such a violent act is unknown to me. The owner and tenants were afraid and annoyed; they called the police who arrived
within an hour. She was shoved into the back of a police vehicle.
WhatsApp message from one of the neighbor's
7/2/2014 8:44 PM: 1:+????: And Natasha was here this
evening the police took her to jail she broke chris's fridge and the computer
she through everything out of the house everything is laying outside
7/3/2014 5:37 AM: Dee: So sorry I will
come on friday and give your money back. I hope the police don't let her out.
7/3/2014 6:23 AM: 1:+????: Morning ya its
true I'm getting readyl for work now
7/3/2014 6:27 AM: 1:+????: Ok please let
me know what time you will be here because I leave work at 1•00pm
7/3/2014 6:35 AM: Dee: I will do so,
thanks again. Have a nice day.
7/3/2014 6:35 AM: 1:+????: You too mam
7/4/2014 6:15 PM: Message History
Disabled: no Media Card found
7/4/2014 6:15 PM: 1:+????: Hello aunty
deloris aunty des said you coming tomorrow?
7/4/2014 6:18 PM: Dee: Yes, I am so sorry
I can't come tonight, I'm at the hospital and will drop off the money tomorrow
7/4/2014 6:29 PM: 1:+????: Ok what time?
7/4/2014 6:30 PM: 1:+????: Plz don't let
natasha back in this yard
7/4/2014 6:30 PM: 1:+????: We are not
happy with her here
7/4/2014 6:31 PM: Dee: She must go back to
the hospital. I understand and I told her to go to the hospital.
Another WhatApp message regarding the trauma with Natasha is placed at the end of the article.
After not hearing about her for the whole day, I phoned the
police in the afternoon.
I want to stress that it was frustrating dealing
with the incompetent police services. I spoke to five different police
officers, each time explaining that the police removed Natasha for property
damage and I needed to know where she was. Each time, the officers would reply
that there was no arrest, they had no records of taking her away, and there were
no entries recorded by officers on duty when this happened. One officer had the
audacity to ask me to prove and identify that it was, in fact, South African
police who arrested her. When I told her I had witnesses and photos, she
changed her attitude. The officer took my telephone number and said she would
make inquiries.
I received a call from the station commander shortly
afterwards and once again, I explained the entire ordeal. The officer also told
me there was no recording of an arrest and said he would investigate. I thanked
him and waited. Within the next hour, the officer phoned me back and said while
patrolling they found a person resembling Natasha. He asked me to identify her
and I SMS’d him a photo of Natasha. After he had received the photo, he called
me and identified Natasha, and said she wanted to kill herself. The officer
told me he was on his way to the Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital (CHB), in
Soweto and would have her admitted. I thanked him for his assistance. (I still
have doubts about his story and how the police found her walking the streets. I
wonder what happened to her while in police custody or if I had not bothered to
phone the police.)
Most South African public hospital facilities do not have
perfect structures and are often referred to as dirty, lacking resources and
understaffed. The CHB does have a reputation of attending to some of the worst traumatized
and violence related injuries. This is a field they specialize in and are
renowned for their good work. I was really happy Natasha was on her way to the CHB;
their psychiatric department is known for their outstanding commitment to high-quality
support.
A doctor at the CHB phoned me and asked me to describe
Natasha’s background and give any information that would help to evaluate her
condition. Willing I told him the entire story, and he promised to call me back
once an assessment was completed. Several hours later, the doctor phoned me
back and told me Natasha was not psychotic enough to be admitted, and he was
going to discharge her. I asked him to keep her there until I could get her
back to the home for destitute people. He agreed and in the morning, one of the
Nursing staff phoned me and asked what she must do with Natasha. I asked her to
take her back to the home in Boksburg. The nursing sister said she would try.
Believing that Natasha would be taken back to the Boksburg home,
I was horrified when a government car stopped outside my house, with Natasha as
a passenger. The official told me in an abrupt tone; that Natasha was not their
responsibility, and it was not their duty to look after her. I pleaded with the
officials to take her back to the home in Boksburg. They ignored my call and
shoved her out of their car, driving away and leaving Natasha standing in the
middle of the road, dressed in CHB psychiatric clothing, barefoot and clutching
an official envelope.
The poor girl was incoherent and did not have a clue what
was happening. I did not have transport and asked her if she knew where the
South Rand Hospital was, she replied that she did. After ensuring that she
indeed could find the hospital, she agreed to go there. I gave her money to pay
for a cab and a pair of slippers, her feet were blue from the cold. I chatted
with her and knew that she needed to get back into rehabilitation or the destitute
shelter. I am praying that she finds a way.
Again, I have tried to find her mother but think it is time
to quit; there is no response to my calls.
What am I to do with the woman who desperately needs help? I
continually pray for her; she is confused and intellectually unable to work. There
is no family who care enough about her and living alone in this dangerous place
is an agony for me to bear. It is so difficult to find caring people who would
be willing to help Natasha. I have tried and extended as much support as I
possibly could, I have no knowledge in dealing with traumatized people. In
addition, feel distraught knowing that everybody I ask to assist has other
issues to deal with. Yes, I agree; Natasha is nobody’s problem, and it is not
easy to give aid when one does not have the resources. I really believed there
were some facilities for people like Natasha, but alas, in South Africa, I have
yet to find one, that will be willing to help.
While Natasha is still trying to find some guidance and
peace in her life, Chris finally relented and asked for help on Monday.
Fortunately, there is medical insurance for Chris and having the cover helped
to get him into a Clinic that will help him with his depression and emotional
instability. Although he is still receiving treatment, his emotional ups and
down have drained me to such a point that I want to run away.
It is no joke having a child under the influence of drugs;
it is a nightmare that never ends. While Chris might get a chance to start over
I am still concerned for Natasha who has to rely on the state facilities and it
is obvious that being white is a hindrance to receiving any care from
government departments.
Thoughts of why people need to suffer and struggle to get
help bewilder my mind. The great commandment “Love thy neighbor as thyself” does not apply to Natasha or so it
seems. I have searched for the real meaning of this commandment, and this is
the best explanation I could find.
Brotherly love
Brotherly love in the
biblical sense is an extension of the natural affection associated with near
kin, toward the greater community of fellow believers, that goes beyond the
mere duty in Leviticus 19:18 to "love thy neighbour as thyself", and
shows itself as "unfeigned love" from a "pure heart", that
extends an unconditional hand of friendship that loves when not loved back,
that gives without getting, and that ever looks for what is best in others.
While we continue to live our lives professing to be
children of God, we selfishly forget the commandments of God Most High. The
evil and destruction around us is frightening, and I wonder if as people who
claim to be Christians can ignore the two vital commandments from God Most
High.
WhatsApp Message between myself and the owner of the Property (spell check omitted)
6/14/2014 9:26 AM: D....:
Diffenatley chris and her are out end of month my other tenants have given
notice cause of tthem they are drinking now i am the moer in
6/14/2014
10:19 AM: Dee: Oh gosh, I don't know why he drinks. He is better when he is
sober. Yes they will move because they are a nuisance. Sorry about all of this.
6/14/2014
10:21 AM: D....: The sooner the better!
6/21/2014
12:37 PM: D....: D chris threw her clothes over the fence now she she is
terrorising us and chris is very very cross
6/21/2014
1:39 PM: D....: She even got the cops on us chris said its over for them
now sitting on pavement he is cross
6/21/2014
5:52 PM: D....: <video omitted>
6/21/2014
5:52 PM: D....: <audio omitted>
6/24/2014
11:16 AM: Dee: Hello Desire, I have found the most wonderful person to help
both Chris and Natasha and will take them on Friday to see this person. I am
begging you to please let Natasha stay with Chris until then. Please have some
mercy I cannot do anything today and really would appreciate a little more
time. Please let her into the room so that she does not wonder off into the
streets. My heart is so broken and I believe that from Friday she will get the
proper help and attention she needs. Please Desire, just a few days is all I am
asking. Thank you.
6/24/2014
11:18 AM: D....: Ok but she has jumped over the gate again she is in the street
somewhere
6/24/2014
11:21 AM: Dee: I will find her and tell her that you will open up for her.
Thank you so much.
6/24/2014
11:22 AM: D....: I must go out just now
6/24/2014
11:23 AM: Dee: Ok I think she is outside, because the computer is on.
6/24/2014
11:35 AM: D....: Chris doesnot needto leave its her
6/24/2014
11:37 AM: Dee: Yes I know but on Friday I am taking her to Alberton and they
might keep her there. Let us wait until then and after that we can make
decisions. Thanks again.
6/24/2014
11:39 AM: D....: Ok D
6/24/2014
11:40 AM: Dee: Thanks so much
6/24/2014
1:43 PM: D....: Chris has been so good hey
6/24/2014
1:47 PM: Dee: I'm glad to hear that, at least some good news. I think the
people I am taking Natasha to on Friday will help her to overcome her stupidity
and teach her about life.
6/24/2014
4:17 PM: D....: You know she even sold chrises broom for 10.00 can you believe
it
6/24/2014
4:24 PM: Dee: Unreal
6/24/2014
4:25 PM: D....: I think its disgusting
6/24/2014
4:26 PM: Dee: Yes it is what can I say I hope the people who take her on friday
will help
6/24/2014
4:28 PM: D....: Yes hope so
6/29/2014
2:09 PM: D....: Hello D plsease dont pick on chris he is heart sore he never made
trouble
6/29/2014
2:14 PM: Dee: I'm not its just I can't help any more. I'm tired and don't have
the energy
6/29/2014
2:17 PM: D....: Ok all we do is try I dont know i am going to a braai my friend
is singing today yipeeeee
6/29/2014
2:40 PM: Dee: You go and enjoy
6/29/2014
2:42 PM: D....: I am here with chtis he is very depressed
6/29/2014
2:44 PM: Dee: Well tell him to go sleep and get back to work.
6/29/2014
2:47 PM: D....: Yes hus talking th biggest lot of shit
6/29/2014
2:49 PM: Dee: Always does.
6/29/2014
2:51 PM: D....: Niw he said he wants to comit suisde and end his life i rab away
6/29/2014
2:56 PM: D....: The more i say chris natasha is not dead she went for help . He
wont accept it now i am worried he is a good person.
6/29/2014
2:57 PM: Dee: Well you know if he continues to live like he is, he will
eventually die and that is if the Nigerians don't kill him first.
6/29/2014
2:59 PM: D....: Oh fuck oeps ?
6/29/2014
3:01 PM: Dee: I don't know what to say anymore. I have tried to help him for 20
years.
6/29/2014
3:08 PM: D....: His ok
6/29/2014
3:11 PM: Dee: That's fine now go and party, enjoy
6/30/2014
12:12 PM: D....: Qk my garden mam is there and i not .LOL
7/1/2014
6:16 PM: Dee: Hi Desire, Chris is in hospital for a few days. I left his room
key with the neighbor. Also some cat food.please feed the bird and cat. Chris
said there is some food he made, can you take it out of the room. I will visit
him tomorrow and let you know how he is.
7/1/2014
6:19 PM: D....: I am ok
7/1/2014
6:19 PM: Dee: Glad to hear that, gosh I think Chris will be ok now after his
last stint
7/1/2014
6:20 PM: D....: Is he coming back to me
7/1/2014
6:21 PM: Dee: Yes he is in for a few days. I have his bank card and will get
some of his money on Friday and bring to you.
7/1/2014
6:24 PM: D....: Thanl you tell him gry better
7/1/2014
6:24 PM: Dee: Sure and will see you friday
7/1/2014
6:26 PM: D....: Ok friemd
7/2/2014
10:02 AM: D....: Hello natasha is back what shell@ i do she even tried to jump
the gate
7/2/2014
10:13 AM: Dee: I don't want Chris to know, we must phone an ambulance and send
her to JHB gen. Tell them she is homelss and insane ran away from clinic
7/2/2014
10:16 AM: D....: Can you phone for me she is tossed
7/2/2014
10:16 AM: Dee: Don't tell her about Chris, he has to get his treatment its for
the best. Ok
7/2/2014
10:42 AM: Dee: Tell the police to take her back to New Beginnings 212
commissioner street boksburg
7/2/2014
10:43 AM: D....: You phone cops
7/2/2014
10:44 AM: Dee: Is she still there and what is your address
7/2/2014
10:46 AM: D....: Yes *********** kenilworth jhb
7/2/2014
10:47 AM: Dee: Cool will do so now.
7/2/2014
4:16 PM: Dee: Did they fetch her
7/2/2014
4:17 PM: D....: No
7/2/2014
4:29 PM: Dee: Where is she now
7/2/2014
4:31 PM: D....: In her room
7/2/2014
4:31 PM: Dee: Oh gosh I hope she does not sell his computer
7/2/2014
4:32 PM: D....: I hope so too
7/2/2014
4:33 PM: Dee: Well I will come and see you friday and will try and phone them
again
7/2/2014
8:27 PM: D....: I phoned she thru everything thing in the the spider cage she
broke the place is bad even chris computer the same cops were here and took her
away
7/3/2014
5:35 AM: Dee: Sorry to hear that, I hope they keep her locked up.
7/3/2014
5:38 AM: Dee: Take a photo of the damage for evidence.
7/3/2014
12:47 PM: Dee: Please try and take a photo of the damage.
7/3/2014
3:07 PM: Dee: Did you get the airtime
7/3/2014
3:17 PM: D....: Thank you lots i will try
7/3/2014
3:20 PM: Dee: Cool
7/3/2014
4:48 PM: Message History Disabled: no Media Card found
7/3/2014
4:48 PM: Dee: I phoned the police and they did not know where Natasha was, so I
caused a scene but now all of a sudden they have found her again. Liars they
are taking her to hospital. What a disaster.
7/3/2014
5:16 PM: D....: Did you get the pics
7/3/2014
5:17 PM: Dee: Yes thanks. I hope nobody will steal the little bit that is left
7/3/2014
5:19 PM: D....: No never
7/3/2014
5:19 PM: Dee: Thanks my friend
7/3/2014
5:20 PM: D....: See you
7/3/2014
7:11 PM: D....: Hi i am now at the club relaxing
7/3/2014
7:22 PM: Dee: You enjoy and have fun. Sometimes we all need to.
7/3/2014
7:23 PM: D....: Your right
7/4/2014
5:48 PM: Dee: Ok I will come and see you tomorrow.
7/4/2014
5:50 PM: D....: What time about its horses
7/4/2014
5:51 PM: Dee: I will try to get there early
7/4/2014
5:53 PM: D....: Thanks hey
7/4/2014
6:11 PM: D....: She is at my gate i must go please come here now if i go she
will jump the gate . .FUCk THIS!
7/4/2014
6:20 PM: Dee: I can't I'm at the hospital,
7/4/2014
6:22 PM: D....: I am actually crying my sister is by kirby and frnny in
the yard
7/4/2014
6:24 PM: Dee: I am so sorry the girl is traumatised and I have tried all week
to get her help, can she sleep there and I will try and get her to the hospital
tomorrow. She has a referral letter to go to rehab.
7/4/2014
6:29 PM: D....: Never ever she is not allowed on my property again . That is
police orders
7/4/2014
6:30 PM: Dee: Well tell her to go to the south rand hospital and give them the
letter
7/4/2014
7:24 PM: D....: But will i still see you in the morning i want you and
yourfamily to see the mess
7/4/2014
7:32 PM: Dee: Yes I will be there early
7/4/2014
7:37 PM: D....: Thats great she must not be seen near me
7/4/2014
8:02 PM: Dee: Has she left to go to the hospital. Please don't stress, I am
praying for God to intervene and help. Since several state institutions are
refusing to help, I realize that we need to pray for help. Natasha is
incoherent at the moment, and lost. It is a difficulty for people to help her
as she needs professional help. Chris is trying to overcome and remains
emotionally unbalanced with mood swings from happy to sad and it changes all
the time. It is quite draining on me. I am going to meditate and pray for the
resources, strength and love of God to help us all through this trauma. I am
sending you and your entire household loving blessings. Thank you for your
support.
