Hello!  I am a law school student at Washington University in St. Louis.  Last summer I worked In Durban for Lawyers for Human Rights, an NGO that helps refugees.  

I am writing on behalf of some good refugee friends of mine.  They are a family of 3 and have recently moved to Johannesburg from Durban.  Natasha is 21 and comes from Rwanda.  Ombeni is 28 and comes from the DRC.  They have a 4-year-old daughter named Brittany.  Natasha was trafficked to South Africa after her family was killed in the genocide.  She was brought to SA by a man who used her as his personal concubine.  This man is the father of her 4 year-old daughter.  Ombeni ended up in South Africa after his family was similarly killed.  He helped Natasha escape from the man who trafficked her. They got married soon after meeting and Ombeni loves Brittany and treats her as his own child.  

They were forced to leave Durban because of constant threats from the man who trafficked Natasha. This man hired hitmen who raped Natasha and threatened to kill Ombeni.  They have come to Johannesburg in the hopes of escaping these threats.  

Ombeni is trying desperately to find work and I am writing on behalf of him.  Ombeni had a good job in Durban managing the employees in a small business.  He is extremely hardworking, intelligent, honest, and organized.  His former employer can provide references.  If you or anyone you know might be able to give him employment of any kind, please contact either me or him directly.

Thank you so much and I apologize for the solicitation.

Andrea Freiberger-- alfrei@gmail.com

writing on behalf of:

Ombeni Katige-- natomb1@gmail.com