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My brother lives like an animal

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Gogo Healthmend Luthuli says she locks Leviton Luthuli in the house as he is mentally ill.           Photos by Trevor Kunene
Gogo Healthmend Luthuli says she locks Leviton Luthuli in the house as he is mentally ill. Photos by Trevor Kunene

MANDLA Luthuli (53) told Daily Sun he is sad that his mentally ill brother has to live like a caged animal.

He said his brother has been living like this since 2003.

“This was after our mum moved into the house after our gogo died. My mum paid off the bond when the bank wanted to repossess it.”

Mandla told the People’s Paper that his gogo’s will stated that he and his brother, Leviton Luthuli (50), should own the house in Mofolo Village, Soweto.

He said his mum, Healthmend Luthuli (76), lives in their home even though she owns a house in Palm Springs, Vaal.

“I took good care of Leviton but now he is always locked up.”

Mandla has since moved into the back room with his wife, Suzanne (47).

The door and security gate of the house were locked and gogo Healthmend would only open them when the SunTeam showed her proof that they were from the People’s Paper.

“I don’t trust anyone,” she said.

“I live in this house with my son because he is mentally ill.

“I keep the doors locked because if he wandered off, who would run after him?”

Gogo Healthmend said Mandla and his wife want the house for themselves.

She said she would leave if Mandla and his wife repaid her the money she used to pay off the house.

Mandla and Suzanne said they don’t want the house.

“We just want Leviton to live like a normal person,” said Mandla.

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