Charred body identified as missing Mamelodi mother
The family of 35-year-old Sibongile Hadebe is heartbroken after the DNA results confirmed that the burned body discovered near her home in June was hers.
Police have confirmed that the burnt body found on June 3 in Mamelodi is that of 35-year-old Sibongile Hadebe.
Hadebe’s charred remains were found near her residence three days after she was reported missing by her brother.
She had been missing since May.
Police have this week confirmed that the DNA results were indeed those of Hadebe.
The family described the unfolding of the missing case as heartbreaking and said the confirmation of the DNA results brought even more pain and sorrow.
Hadebe was reported missing on May 31 at Mamelodi East police station.
Warrant Officer Marinda Austin confirmed that the suspect had been identified.
“The arrest process will follow as it is an ongoing case,” Austin said.
She said the whereabouts of the suspect is known, and the investigation is receiving all the necessary attention.
Austin affirmed that the police will gather strong evidence and arrest the suspect responsible for Hadebe’s brutal murder.
“The police have built a strong case for a conviction, as well as working closely with the justice department, to get justice for the murder of Sibongile.”
She urged members of the public to report incidents of gender-based and domestic violence.
“Break the silence and come forward as soon as it happens. Furthermore, refrain from withdrawing cases once they are opened. As the SAPS, we are continuously having awareness campaigns together with different stakeholders, and to give support to victims of abuse,” said Austin.
Sibongile’s brother, Siphamandla, said the confirmation of DNA results has brought them unimaginable grief.
“We are struggling to cope with the confirmation of my sister’s passing. It’s been a tough time, and we’re trying to find strength in each other.
“As the only family we knew, growing up in a children’s home, losing her feels like losing part of ourselves. She was the oldest sibling who was always there for us, and her passing has left a huge void in our lives,” said Siphamandla.
He said he hopes the investigation will bring justice.
Siphamandla said his sister will be remembered as a loving and caring person who always put others first.
“She was a strong and determined individual who inspired us with her resilience and kindness.”
He said the community has been their pillar of strength from the beginning and is shocked by the tragic ending of his sister’s life.
Sibongile leaves behind her two siblings and two children.
Siphamandla said the family is still finalising the funeral arrangements.
Sibongile’s friend, Nthabiseng Mathibela, also described her as a kind and loving person.
“Sibongile was a nice, very humble person. She was not someone who liked conflict; instead, she liked laughing and loved people.”
Mathibela said she had known Sibongile for quite some time and that they have been friends for almost four years. “When she came to Mamelodi, we became friends and stayed together in Phase Five until I moved to Mpumalanga for work and she relocated to Ext 4.”
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