The community of Bolata Village in QwaQwa, Free State, gathered in mourning on Saturday, 28 March, as 19-year-old Kelebohile Radebe was laid to rest following her tragic and mysterious death. Kelebohile, who allegedly took her own life by ingesting poison, was remembered as a vibrant young woman whose future was filled with promise.
Family, friends, and community members attended the funeral in large numbers, united in grief as they said their final goodbyes. The emotional service was marked by tears, heartfelt tributes, and a deep sense of loss. Many struggled to come to terms with the sudden passing of someone so young.
Those who knew Kelebohile described her as kind, full of life, and determined to build a better future for herself and her child. Her death has left a painful void in the lives of her loved ones, who are still grappling with shock and unanswered questions.
One of the most heartbreaking moments shared during the funeral came from her uncle, Miden Radebe. He revealed that Kelebohile had made a troubling statement to him shortly before her death—words that now carry a haunting meaning.
“I was completely taken aback by what she told me,” he said. “She said she was leaving for good, that we would never see her again, and that she was going home.”
At the time, the family did not fully understand what she meant. Concerned, her uncle asked about her young daughter and whether she would return to visit them. Now, in hindsight, her words have left the family devastated.
Kelebohile leaves behind her 11-month-old daughter, Nkanyezi, whose innocent presence at the funeral brought a heartbreaking contrast to the sorrow surrounding the service. While mourners wept, the child’s laughter served as a painful reminder of the life that has been left behind.
Adding to the mystery surrounding her death, the family reportedly discovered a cup containing a black substance believed to be a poison known locally as “mafenetha.” The circumstances under which the substance was found have raised serious concerns, leaving the family searching for answers.
Family spokesperson Moeketsi Mofokeng expressed the deep trauma the family is experiencing. “There are no words that can fully explain the pain we are going through. We are left with grief, confusion, and so many unanswered questions,” he said.
He also shared the family’s struggle with how to explain the tragedy to Kelebohile’s young daughter in the future. “We don’t know how we are going to tell her child. Kelebohile was a good person, and she didn’t deserve this.”
As the community continues to mourn, many are calling for greater awareness around mental health and the challenges faced by young people. Kelebohile’s death has not only left her family heartbroken but has also sparked reflection on the importance of support, understanding, and intervention during difficult times.
Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, even as they seek healing and closure in the face of such a painful loss.
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