The Ngubeni family from Alexandra is living a nightmare — still grieving the brutal murder of 31-year-old Busisiwe Glenda Ngubeni, while desperately searching for her missing three-year-old son, Samkelo.
The tragedy unfolded last month at the Greenville Informal Settlement in Alexandra, when Busisiwe was viciously attacked and killed inside her home. Her alleged killer, identified as Bongani Radebe, who was also her neighbor, remains on the run.
According to police and family reports, Busisiwe suffered horrific injuries. She was raped and stabbed multiple times — in her private parts, stomach, chest, spine, neck, head, and behind her ear. The murder weapon was reportedly a pair of scissors.
“She told my mom before she died that her child was with his father in Extension 9, Alexandra,” said Lindiwe Ngubeni, the victim’s heartbroken sister. “But when we went there, they claimed they didn’t know anything about the boy and that he hadn’t been brought to their house. We even went with the police, but we’re still in the dark. It gives us sleepless nights.”
The family’s pain runs deep. Not only have they lost Busisiwe in the most cruel and violent manner, but they now face the torment of not knowing what happened to little Samkelo. The child has been missing since the day of his mother’s murder, and despite frantic searches and police involvement, there has been no trace of him.
Adding to the family’s anguish are chilling details that emerged before Busisiwe’s death. According to her relatives, the suspect, Bongani Radebe, had threatened her several times over a piece of land she occupied. They believe the ongoing dispute may have fueled his violent actions.
“She had told us before that Radebe wanted her stand and that he’d been harassing her for it,” Lindiwe said. “She even said, ‘I was stabbed for my stand,’ before slipping into a coma at the hospital. Those were her last words.”
Community members in Alexandra have been left shaken by the brutal nature of the attack and the mystery surrounding Samkelo’s disappearance. Local residents are calling for justice for Busisiwe and for intensified efforts to locate the missing boy.
Police are continuing the investigation, but Radebe’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Ngubeni family, meanwhile, is pleading with anyone who might have information to come forward.
“We just want to find Samkelo,” said Lindiwe. “Even if it’s just to know where he is, dead or alive. We can’t live with this pain forever.”
Anyone with information about Samkelo Ngubeni’s whereabouts is urged to contact 069 209 6553 or 072 951 8818.
The family hopes that by sharing their story, someone — somewhere — might help them find answers and bring little Samkelo home.
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