The tragic news of Machaka Radebe, now known to many as the “16-year-old kidnapped and murdered girl”, touched so many hearts.
She was last seen alive by her brother on 2 December 2023. Her family reported her missing after her phone was answered by a random stranger demanding a ransom in exchange for Machaka’s life.
On 4 December 2023, Machaka’s lifeless body was found in a field near phase 9 with multiple stab wounds.
Two male suspects, aged 28 and 40, were arrested on 28 December 2023 after being linked to the kidnapping and murder of the teenage girl.
The two suspects appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 8 January where their formal application for bail was postponed to 15 January.
One of the two accused in the kidnapping and murder case of the teenager, Machaka Radebe, has appeared in the Bloemfontein District Court where charges against him were withdrawn.
Representative and aunt to Machaka, Lavo Radebe, mentioned that it is extremely painful and not a nice feeling at all.
“All of this has brought back memories but we are really happy by the outcomes of what has happened in court.”
In another case, Sibongile Portia Ngwana’s mother, Mirriam Momani, feels really disheartened by how the body of her daughter was found.
The case of Ngwana, whose remains were found at M10, was on the same day as Radebe’s. Both of these women faced the same untimely fate by the hands of their male perpetrators.
Free State MEC of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, commended the police on the swift response to these kidnappings but added that it is painful how the parents are just finding lifeless bodies.
“As we are gathered here for these two cases, Lesego Motaung’s family members are also here in support of the other families, also hoping for news with regard to their missing daughter.”
Non-governmental organisations such as Men Up Ndoda and The Youth Revolution agree that the justice outcomes are unfair and that bail should simply be opposed.
Abigail Visagie
