“She Just Needed Air”—Boyfriend’s Story Questioned as Sibongile Hadebe Remains Missing

By Zinhle Cele | Missing Person South Africa (Updated Thursday, 12 June 2025)

Sibongile Hadebe, a 35-year-old mother of two from Mamelodi, has been missing since 19 May 2025. Now, nearly three weeks later, a gruesome discovery has intensified the urgency of her case: a burned and dismembered body was found dumped near a school close to her home on Friday, 6 June 2025. While forensic results are still pending, her family fears the worst.

Originally from Tongaat in Durban, Hadebe had moved to Mamelodi in search of a better life. She previously worked in retail but was unemployed at the time of her disappearance. Her two children live with their father, as she lives alone in Mamelodi Ext 4.

A Troubled Relationship Raises Red Flags

Family members describe Sibongile’s relationship with her boyfriend, Mthokozisi Vilakazi, as turbulent and emotionally damaging. On 27 April 2025, Sibongile reported that her door had been broken and her belongings vandalized. She alleged that Mthokozisi had assaulted her. Though she opened a police case, she later withdrew the charges, hoping he would change.

• 5 Heartbreaking Clues That Show the Case of Sibongile Hadebe Is Taking a Dark Turn

• The Haunting Disappearance of 30-Year-Old Naledi Selemela Raises Hard Questions About Justice and Accountability

• 2 Years On: The Haunting Mystery of Missing Eastern Cape Comedian Almonré Roman

Disturbing Clues Emerge

The situation took a dark turn after neighbors reported seeing Mthokozisi burning items in Sibongile’s yard shortly after her disappearance. Disturbingly, some remains were found in that same yard. When asked about Sibongile’s whereabouts, Mthokozisi said she had left to get “some air” and claimed he was spring cleaning in her absence.

Even more troubling, he later asked the landlord to remove her belongings and re-rent the room. He reportedly even found a new tenant himself.

Community Shock and Hope for Answers

“This is not the Sibongile we know. She loved her kids and would never disappear like this,” said a concerned relative.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the body found, and the investigation is ongoing. Forensic tests are expected to take several days, but the family fears time is running out.

A Pattern Too Familiar

Sibongile’s story mirrors a tragic pattern seen too often in South Africa—women enduring toxic relationships and disappearing under suspicious circumstances. Many, like Sibongile, hope their abuser will change. Many never return.

Safety Tips and Community Awareness

• Always inform someone you trust about your whereabouts.
• Don’t ignore signs of abuse—report and seek help early.
• If you suspect foul play or domestic abuse, alert authorities.
• Use apps that share real-time location with trusted contacts.

Let’s Talk

Do you think justice will be served in Sibongile’s case? What more can communities do to protect women in vulnerable situations?

Comment below, share your thoughts, and tag someone who needs to read this.

Let’s stay alert. Let’s stay connected. Let’s bring Sibongile home—or give her the dignity she deserves.

📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
📱 WhatsApp to report a case
🔗 Report a missing person

Story published by Missing Person South Africa.