In a deeply emotional and tragic turn of events, a grieving mother, Sellwane Radebe, collapsed and died during the funeral of her 16-year-old daughter, Machaka Radebe. The heartbreaking incident occurred as family, friends, and community members gathered to bid farewell to the young girl who was brutally murdered in December 2023.
The funeral, which was meant to bring closure to a devastating loss, quickly turned into a double tragedy. According to eyewitnesses, Sellwane, overcome with grief and emotion, collapsed during the service and could not be revived. Emergency responders were called, but she was declared dead at the scene.
Sellwane’s daughter, Machaka, had been the victim of a horrific act of violence that shocked the community. Details surrounding her murder remain under investigation, but it is known that her sudden death in late 2023 left the family shattered. Described as a bright and spirited teenager with big dreams, Machaka’s passing left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Sellwane, a devoted mother, had reportedly been struggling to cope with the trauma of her daughter’s death. Family members shared that she had barely been eating or sleeping and had become withdrawn in the months following Machaka’s murder. Her passing at the very event meant to honor her daughter’s memory has added a layer of pain to an already unbearable situation.
“She never recovered after losing Machaka,” said a close family friend. “Her heart was broken beyond repair. It’s like her soul left with her child.”
The Radebe family now faces the unimaginable task of laying to rest not just one, but two beloved members within days of each other. Community members have rallied around them, offering support, food, and prayers as they struggle to come to terms with this double loss.
Many who attended the funeral were left in shock and disbelief. “It felt like a nightmare,” one mourner said. “First, we were mourning a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her, and before we could even begin to heal, we lost her mother too.”
The tragedy has sparked conversations about the emotional and psychological toll of grief, especially on parents who lose children to violence. Mental health advocates are urging families and communities to look out for signs of severe trauma and depression in bereaved individuals and to encourage them to seek professional help.
The Radebe family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences they’ve received. They are now planning a joint memorial to celebrate the lives of both Sellwane and Machaka, a mother and daughter whose bond was so strong that even death could not keep them apart for long.
May their souls rest in eternal peace. 🕯️💔