The search for hiker, Zayd Dada who disappeared in Mt Nyangani two weeks ago is continuing as many people have heeded to calls by the family to look for the young man.
BY PHYLLIS MBANJE
Scores of people are offering their time, prayers and resources bridging the racial, cultural divide in the quest to find Zayd.
Messages and comments inundating the social media from friends and relatives depict Zayd as a loving and caring husband, brother and friend.
Even strangers from all over the world have joined friends and family members in their quest to bring Zayd home, but so far their efforts have not yielded much.
The terrible weather conditions and the treacherous terrain have hampered the spirited search.
Individuals and businesspeople — some from as far as Australia — have contributed food, hiking gear and accommodation for the team that has maintained vigil at the mountain since Zayd’s disappearance on January 4.
Even helicopters have been provided or hired for the search.
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Although Zayd’s family has decided not to grant any more interviews to the media, messages and comments from those close to him clearly depict a young man who is loved and respected by his community.
Zayd’s aunt and spokesperson for the family, Shehnilla Mohamed on Friday said the family had decided to remain silent.
“At this point in time, the family has decided not to issue out any more statements, it is a difficult time and we ask for understanding,” she said.
It has been extremely hard on his young wife, Neelam.
She posted on her Facebook wall, “I miss you and love you so much Zayd … I know in my heart you will be found. It’s a matter of time and patience”.
Zayd (31) celebrated his first wedding anniversary on December 29 last year.
During the beautiful ceremony the couple is captured lovingly linking arms and looking happy and relaxed.
Little did they know that a week later their happiness would be marred by the mysterious disappearance of Zayd.
On January 3 this year, Neelam posted excitedly on her Facebook wall that they were going to Nyanga.
“Off to Nyanga, feeling awesome!” read the post.
However, six days later she was to post a desperate plea to the public to help search for her husband.
“Please help find my husband Zayd,” she posted.
Her pleas and those of other family members including Zayd’s brother, Rayaaz, who is based in Australia, were heeded by many people who organised themselves into a search party.
A committee was set up to collect provisions that would be needed by the team and a Facebook page called Let’s Find Zayd was created. The page in no time had many followers numbering over 12 500.
Now dubbed Mwana wevhu (son of the soil) by his many followers on Facebook, Zayd has been described by close friends and family as a resilient young man who does not give up easily.
Desperate and heart-wrenching messages have been steadily flooding the Facebook page created in his honour.
“I haven’t met you [Zayd] but I cried for you yesterday. Everyone has come together to find you, not only your incredible family and faithful friends but Zimbabwe as a whole. I can only imagine what a character you are to bring out such determination in all of us and I cannot wait to meet you,” read one post.
Another posted, “I feel Zayd is a national issue irrespective of the racial divide or culture. We accept Zayd as mwana wevhu [son of the soil].”
“Praying for you Zayd, you are an amazing young man.
“It has been two weeks and we still have no answers but that hasn’t slowed anybody down,” read yet another message of hope and determination.
A senior government official has revealed that the family had been advised to seek counsel from the local traditional leaders and map the way forward.
