A 24-year-old suspect has appeared in court in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Reuben Marsberg from Louis Trichardt, Limpopo. Reuben Marsberg was reported missing on 27 November and is believed to have been shot during a robbery at his residence. Police say DNA testing is still underway to confirm the identity of the remains found formally.

Background: How Reuben Marsberg Went Missing

Reuben Marsberg was reported missing on Thursday, 27 November, after he failed to return home or answer his phone. Contrary to early public speculation, he did not go missing while travelling for mechanical work.

According to family accounts confirmed during the investigation, Reuben had dropped off his younger brother, Brent, at his girlfriend’s home in the Levubu area on the evening before his disappearance. The brothers agreed that Reuben would return the following morning to fetch Brent.

When Brent tried to contact his brother around 08:00 the next morning, Reuben’s phone was switched off. Concern grew quickly.

Brent arranged a lift back to the farm where the brothers were staying. On arrival, there was no sign of Reuben. His 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser, several personal belongings, and a boat were missing. The house was not locked, adding to fears that something was seriously wrong.

Missing Person Report and Early Search Efforts

Reuben’s disappearance triggered an extensive search involving family members, friends, community volunteers, private security, and police units. Posters circulated widely on social media, and appeals were shared across Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

His mother, Virginia Marsberg, searched tirelessly in and around the Levubu area, holding onto hope that her son had been abducted and might still be alive.

On 30 November, Reuben’s Land Cruiser was found abandoned near Polokwane International Airport, approximately 100 kilometres south of Louis Trichardt. The vehicle had been partially stripped.

This discovery deepened concern and intensified the investigation.

SAPS Investigation and Discovery of a Body

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, further investigations led authorities to the Makhado area, where a severely decomposed body was found wrapped in a blanket near a correctional services facility.

Police stated that the remains showed evidence of a gunshot wound and that there was strong reason to believe the body could be that of the missing Reuben Marsberg. However, DNA testing is still required to confirm the identity.

Police also recovered a trailer, boat, and bull bar belonging to Marsberg from a suspect’s residence.

Suspect Arrested and Court Appearance

A 24-year-old man, identified as Duncan Gerhard Koekemoer, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the case.

Koekemoer appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges that include premeditated murder, house robbery, and possession of stolen property.

He reportedly pointed out several locations to police, including where the body was found. During his court appearance, he entered the courtroom in leg irons and responded softly when asked if he understood the charges against him.

The case has been postponed to allow for further investigation and forensic profiling.

Allegations Presented in Court

According to the charge sheet, the state alleges that Koekemoer robbed and assaulted Marsberg at his home in November. When Marsberg resisted, he was allegedly shot with a firearm.

Prosecutors claim that the suspect then stole Marsberg’s PlayStation, television, Toyota Land Cruiser, trailer, and boat.

The motive, according to investigators, appears to have been robbery. Police have not confirmed all details publicly as investigations are ongoing.

Reuben’s Mother Speaks Out: “Please Get the Facts Right”

Following widespread social media posts, some of which contained inaccuracies, Reuben’s mother issued a public plea asking people and platforms to correct false information.

“Reuben is my son. He is 22 years old,” she wrote. “He was kidnapped from the house where he and his brother were staying in Levubu. His 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser and boat were taken. His vehicle was later found abandoned outside Polokwane airport.”

She confirmed that a suspect is in custody and that older remains were found, but emphasized that DNA testing is still required before any final confirmation.

Virginia also expressed distress over reports published without the family’s consent or police verification.

Court Day Brings Painful Reality

In an emotional message shared later, Virginia Marsberg described attending court and coming face-to-face with the man accused of killing her son.

She alleged that Reuben was shot while asleep and killed for the sake of a PlayStation and a television.

“It has been a horrendous nightmare,” she wrote. “To sit in court and see a man who took a decent, talented young life and could not even look us in the face is something no parent should endure.”

Her words reflected a family grappling with grief, anger, and unanswered questions.

Who was Reuben Marsberg?

Reuben was described by family and friends as a hardworking diesel mechanic with a generous spirit. After the death of his father, Noel, last year, Reuben stepped into a leadership role within the family.

“Let me tell you, he really filled his father’s shoes,” his mother said.

Friends recalled his kindness, humour, and loyalty.

One close family friend wrote that Reuben was “like a son” to him, recalling fishing trips, hospital visits, and moments of laughter during difficult times.

Another mourner expressed sorrow that no mother should have to bury a child, while others voiced anger at what they described as senseless cruelty.

Community Reaction and Support

The case has drawn widespread reaction across social media, with many South Africans expressing shock, sympathy, and outrage.

Messages of support have poured in for the Marsberg family, along with calls for justice. While emotions are running high, police and the family have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to unfold.

What Happens Next in the Investigation

Police investigations are continuing, with a special task team from Polokwane assisting the Makhado SAPS. DNA analysis remains a critical next step to formally identify the remains found.

The suspect is expected to appear again in court as the state builds its case.

The family has also explored crowdfunding options to possibly pursue private DNA testing, pending discussions with authorities.

A Family’s Request to the Public

Despite the pain, Virginia Marsberg has asked the public to help keep her son’s memory alive.

“I ask anyone who knew Reuben, and even those who did not, to write something about my son,” she said. “Please help keep his memory alive.”

As the case moves forward, the Marsberg family continues to ask for prayers, respect, and patience as they await final confirmation and justice.

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