Women's organisations have united to pay tribute to Sellwane Radebe, the mother of 16-year-old Machaka Radebe, who was tragically murdered in December 2023. Sellwane's death, believed to be caused by the overwhelming trauma of losing her daughter and the subsequent fight for justice, has sparked renewed calls for support for grieving families and accountability within the justice system.
The heart-wrenching memorial service for Sellwane was held on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, at Batho Location in Bloemfontein, Free State. Sellwane reportedly collapsed during a funeral service in Welkom on Friday, 20 June 2025, succumbing to what many believe was a broken heart, unable to cope with the loss of her daughter.
Lindiwe Mofokeng, Sellwane's closest friend, delivered a moving tribute, reflecting on their deep bond and cherished memories. "The loss of her daughter, Machaka, to a mysterious kidnapping and subsequent death was a wound that slowly drained Sellwane's life force and left her spirit broken," Mofokeng said.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Lindiwe shared the depth of Sellwane’s love for her daughter. "Sellwane's love for her daughter was overwhelming. She lost a part of herself in losing Machaka. We've lost a piece of our community's heart," she said. Mofokeng also reflected on the change in her friend after Machaka's death. "Sellwane's strength was her daughter. When Machaka was taken, a part of her went with her. I'll never forget Sellwane's smile, but it's now tinged with sadness, a reminder of the pain she endured," she added.
Family spokesman Moalusi Ramoahlodi expressed the immense grief felt by the entire family. "The passing of our sister leaves a void in our family that can never be filled. We take comfort in the memories of her love and strength, especially during the difficult times after Machaka's passing. This is double the pain for us, as we were still waiting for justice for her daughter," Ramoahlodi said.
The case of Machaka Radebe has become a symbol of the challenges faced by families seeking justice for victims of violent crime. Ntombela said 16-year-old Machaka was kidnapped from her bedroom on 2 December 2023.
"Her violated body was found two days later in a Bloemfontein field. Sellwane fought diligently for justice. Court papers cluttered her kitchen table, chasing rescheduled hearings and dealing with missing evidence. Eighteen months later, her heart gave out. Still, there’s no verdict."
Thokozile Nogabe of the Buwang Basadi Women Organisation in the Free State conveyed their deepest condolences. "We're deeply saddened by Sellwane's passing. Our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time. We honour her memory and legacy while holding her family in our prayers. May her daughter's memory live on in our hearts, and may we continue to fight for justice and support for families affected by violence and trauma," Nogabe stated.
Sefora Ntombela, chairwoman of the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, highlighted a disturbing pattern of grieving mothers succumbing to grief while awaiting justice for their murdered daughters. She drew attention to other similar cases, underscoring the devastating impact of the justice system's delays and failures on already traumatised families.
"Their daughters, Mpho, Machaka, and Thato, were murdered, and now their mothers have followed them, their hearts broken beyond repair," Ntombela said, highlighting the tragic connection between these cases.
Ntombela cited the case of Mpho, who "was killed on 17 June 2024. Her mother, Matshidiso, laid her daughter to rest but passed away 42 days later, on 28 August. Six weeks saw an entire family wiped out by grief."
She also spoke of Thato Tumaole, who "was murdered on 10 May 2024. Her mother, Eunice, clung to the hope that someone would be held accountable. But as court dates were deferred and suspects changed, the weight became unbearable. Eunice passed away on 8 February 2025, leaving an empty chair in a courtroom still awaiting answers," Ntombela said.
Ntombela criticised the justice system for failing these grieving mums, saying: "The mothers didn’t just lose their children. They were slowly murdered by a system that failed them. No mother should die of a broken heart while waiting for justice."
The death of Sellwane Radebe serves as a stark reminder of the profound and lasting impact of violent crime on families and the urgent need for a more responsive and supportive justice system. The women's organisations have vowed to continue fighting for justice for Machaka and other victims of violence, and to provide support for grieving families left behind. The call for justice echoes through the community, demanding action and accountability to prevent further tragedies.
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