Umlazi family demands justice after son accused of killing his mother
A family from Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, is demanding that justice be served after Sibusiso Radebe was arrested for the brutal murder of his 79-year-old mother. The family insists that he must remain behind bars, fearing for their safety and the anger of the community.
Radebe appeared in the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he was formally charged with murder. He is accused of slitting his mother’s throat, a crime that has left his relatives and the local community in shock and outrage.
A Family Seeking Justice
Speaking outside the courtroom, the accused’s brother, Delani Radebe, said the family is devastated and wants the harshest punishment for Sibusiso.
“As a family, we want justice and for him to be punished for this crime. He should never be released because not only are we angry, but the entire community is furious,” Delani stated.
He added that the family has suffered years of abuse and violence at the hands of the accused. They now fear for their safety should he be released on bail.
“If he could do this to his own mother, then we are not safe,” Delani said, expressing the family’s deep concern.
Community Outrage and Protests
The Umlazi community has rallied behind the grieving family, calling for justice and demanding that Sibusiso Radebe be denied bail.
On Wednesday, a group of angry residents staged a picket outside the court, carrying placards and chanting slogans to express their outrage over the crime.
One community member said, “We don’t want him back in Umlazi. If he could kill his own mother, who else is safe? He must stay in jail.”
Another protester added, “This is beyond shocking. We cannot allow someone like this to walk free while we live in fear.”
A History of Violence and Abuse
The Radebe family has revealed that this is not the first time they have suffered at the hands of the accused.
For years, they say they have endured violence, threats, and abuse from him. However, they never imagined it would escalate to such a horrific act of murder.
One family member, who asked to remain anonymous, shared, “We always feared something bad would happen, but we never thought he would kill his own mother. It is painful.”
Court Proceedings and Bail Application
During his court appearance on Wednesday, Sibusiso Radebe showed no emotion as the magistrate read out the charges against him.
The state has confirmed that he will remain in custody until his next court appearance, which is set for next Wednesday, when he is expected to apply for bail.
However, the family and community members are making it clear that they will oppose any chance of him being released.
“The justice system must not fail us. We are calling on the court to deny him bail because he is a danger to all of us,” Delani Radebe said.
Call for Stronger Action Against Domestic Violence
This tragic case has once again highlighted the growing problem of domestic violence and abuse in South Africa.
Many people on social media have expressed their horror and called for harsher punishments for those who commit crimes against their own family members.
One user wrote, “No parent should ever have to fear their own child. This is heartbreaking.”
Another said, “Justice must be served. He must pay for what he has done.”
What Happens Next?
As the case unfolds, the Radebe family and the Umlazi community remain hopeful that the court will deliver justice for the elderly victim.
The accused’s formal bail application is scheduled for next Wednesday, where the court will decide whether he will remain in custody or be granted bail.
For now, both the family and the community are standing firm in their demand: Sibusiso Radebe must never be allowed to walk free again.
