Estcourt, KZN: After taking drastic steps to seek closure, the Dubazane family can finally lay their son to rest today (August 29).

Sabelo Eric Dubazane (26), who resided in Lochsloy, caused alarm among relatives when he suddenly disappeared on November 29, 2019.

READ MORE HERE: Family’s frantic search for Sabelo Dubazane

An intensive search for the young man began…

The first tip-off the family received was that Sabelo had last been seen in Frere on December 1.
The search ended in sadness when Sabelo’s body was found near a railway line close to Ultra City on December 30.
According to his grandfather, Ward 15 Councillor Thokozani Dubazane, Sabelo’s body was badly decomposed and the cause of death was not clearly evident. A case of murder was opened, and Sabelo’s remains were removed and kept by police to gather DNA evidence. The Dubazane family waited for news about the DNA results, which they knew would then allow them to bury Sabelo and perform the traditional rites. However, weeks turned into months and the family hankered to hear from the police.

After more than six months, the family took matters into their own hands and with the support from some community members in Lochsloy, blockaded the road with burning tyres and debris.

READ IT HERE: Frustrated family of murdered man blocks off road

Cllr Dubazane said he hoped the defiant action would draw the attention of the police and prompt them to speed up the investigation so the family could bury Sabelo.

“After we blockaded the road on July 21, the police gave us a letter saying that the remains of our deceased was in Pretoria for DNA testing, but there was a problem there and they were going to authorise a transfer to the Western Cape,” said Cllr Dubazane.

The police assured the family that they would receive feedback in about two weeks’ time.
The patient Dubazane family waited four weeks before their frustration boiled over. On August 19, the family took to the street again and blocked off the P29 section of the Ntabamhlophe road.

Again, their hope was that police would be “transparent” about returning Sabelo’s remains.
Their actions brought the response they had hoped for and an engagement with police transpired.

“We were asked to provide identifying information about Sabelo’s body. The police then located his body at the mortuary. I was asked to file an affidavit at the police station and we were told that his remains would be released, ” said a relieved Cllr Dubazane.

The closure the family so desperately sought, he says, has been achieved, even though it took tough action to accomplish.

“We apologise to the community that was inconvenienced by the road block. The situation was unfortunate, but we were forced to do this. The family would also like to thank the investigating officer, Mr Ntuli, as well as Mr Kheswa and Colonel Dreyer (Wembezi police) for their assistance,” added Cllr Dubazane.

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