The family of Vusimuzi “Vusi” Radebe is mourning his death after he was allegedly beaten to death while walking home in Mpumalanga. Relatives say the 19 September incident may have been linked to assumptions made after Radebe told people that he lived in Kempton Park.
In a statement dated 21 September 2026, the Radebe and Mathobela families described themselves as “heartbroken and devastated” following what they called the brutal murder of their loved one.
According to the family, Radebe, the son of Sipho and Perfidia Radebe, had been visiting his grandmother in Kwaguqa. On 19 September, he began making his way towards Lynville when he was allegedly stopped and questioned about where he lived and where he had come from.
The family said Radebe answered that he was from Kempton Park and had been visiting his grandmother. They believe the mention of Kempton Park led to assumptions being made about him because of recent reports of women being killed in the area.
“Because of the recent violence in Kempton Park, assumptions were made about him,” the family said in their statement. They allege that instead of his circumstances being properly established, Radebe was attacked and severely beaten.
The family said he died at the scene.
They described Radebe as a quiet man who was simply making his way home after visiting a family member. His relatives said his death has left them struggling to come to terms with the loss and the circumstances surrounding it.
“He was a human being — someone’s son, grandson and loved one,” the family said, stressing that his life should not have ended because of an assumption.
The incident comes amid heightened concern in Kempton Park and surrounding parts of Ekurhuleni following the discovery of several women’s bodies in recent months. The cases have attracted significant public attention, with police investigating whether some of the killings may be connected.
Authorities have, however, cautioned against automatically linking every death in the area to the same offender or series of crimes. At least one killing has resulted in an arrest in a case that police have linked to a personal dispute.
Against this backdrop, Radebe’s family is appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed his movements on the day of his death to assist investigators.
They are particularly seeking information from anyone who may have seen Radebe travelling from Kwaguqa towards Lynville or who may have information about the events that led to his death.
The family said information that could help establish exactly what happened would be important as they seek answers and justice for their loved one.
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