The Delft community is reeling from the brutal murder of 30-year-old Tando Sobekwa, whose body was found naked, beaten, stabbed, and burnt in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The discovery, made by a resident on her way to the hospital, has left Sobekwa's family and friends heartbroken and demanding justice.
The horrific scene unfolded in Tallis Close, just metres away from Sobekwa's home. His mother, Vivienne Marawu, was alerted by a neighbour who recognised her son lying on an open field. The sight that greeted her was one of unimaginable pain: her son, covered in blood, with visible stab wounds.
"Yoh, I am not doing well. My son was never a troublemaker, he was a quiet guy, he wasn't involved in gangs, he never did anything bad to anyone," a devastated Vivienne said.
According to a source, Sobekwa was last seen at his house on Saturday evening when two men came to call him. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed a chilling account of the events leading to Sobekwa's death.
"Like I understand, they were drinking, then the one accused Tando of stealing his money and when he denied it they beat him, broke his arms and leg and stabbed him, then took boiling water and burnt him with it by throwing the water into the wounds," the source said.
Sobekwa's younger sister, Asamkele Marawu, 24, expressed a mixture of anger and sadness.
"There's a lot of emotions, especially for him dying like that, he didn't deserve it and where it happened, those are the people that he trusted. We just want the truth, what happened, so that he gets justice and we get closure," she said.
Delft residents are united in their grief and demand for answers. Community activist, Koolsum Ismail, expressed the shared sentiment.
"He was well known in the community, he was a good person, all we need is justice, because we believe that your child is my child, and from a mother to a mother, I understand that she needs that answer," Ismail said.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case has been registered at the Delft police station, and an investigation is underway.
"Police members attended to a complaint at the local day hospital where the victim was pointed out by medical staff. The victim sustained multiple injuries to his body and was declared deceased on arrival at the hospital. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested," Twigg said.
The police are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
