A Mother’s Heartbreaking End
Matshidiso Matshinge, a mother who never got justice for her missing son, was laid to rest at Itsuseng Phase 6 Cemetery in Mabopane, Tshwane, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Her tragic passing has left family, friends, and the community devastated, as she died without knowing what happened to her 14-year-old son, Lesedi Matshinge, who has been missing for nearly three years.
A Life of Faith and Pain
The 55-year-old Matshidiso was known for her deep faith and love for prayer. Family and friends described her as a kind-hearted woman who always encouraged those around her. However, behind her strength and prayers, she carried an unbearable burden—the mysterious disappearance of her son in 2022.
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According to family members, Lesedi was last seen when a relative allegedly took him to an initiation school in Rosslyn, Tshwane. Since then, there have been no confirmed reports of his whereabouts.
Tragic End to a Mother’s Search
Matshidiso’s family was shocked and heartbroken when she was found dead in her home in Phase 8, Itsuseng, Mabopane, on Thursday, February 20, 2025. She had taken her own life, overwhelmed by the pain of not knowing what had happened to her son. The family revealed that she had hanged herself inside a toilet burglar, unable to cope with the stress and unanswered questions surrounding Lesedi’s disappearance.
Her cousin, Thomas Matshinge, expressed the family’s deep sorrow and frustration.
“We are in great pain, and it’s difficult not knowing what is happening. As a family, we are heartbroken and need help,” he said.
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Thomas pleaded with anyone who might have information about Lesedi’s disappearance to come forward.
“We want those responsible for taking Lesedi to be arrested so we can finally get closure,” he added.
Family and Community in Mourning
Matshidiso’s aunt, Betty Malatji, shared that the family was already struggling with Lesedi’s disappearance, and her death has only worsened their grief.
“Matshidiso was a wonderful person. She loved joking and praying. But she was deeply affected by her son’s disappearance,” Betty said.
Neighbors and friends echoed similar sentiments. Gogo Anna Manabe (71), a close neighbor, expressed her sorrow over the loss of Matshidiso.
“We are heartbroken. We lost a loving person. She was always encouraging us,” she said.
Anna recalled how Matshidiso would share Bible verses with her whenever she was facing difficulties.
“She was kind-hearted and caring,” she added.
A Friend’s Final Memory
Phumzile Mthembu, one of Matshidiso’s close friends, recalled the last moments they shared before her passing.
“I was with her that morning before she died. She gave me some flowers. I’ve lost a great and loving friend,” she said.
Hearing about Matshidiso’s death was painful for Phumzile, as she knew how much her friend longed for closure regarding her missing son.
“She always read the Bible and loved praying. She just wanted to know what happened to Lesedi,” she said.
A Plea for Justice
As the family lays Matshidiso to rest, they are still searching for answers about Lesedi. They urge authorities and the public to help them find him and bring those responsible to justice.
May Matshidiso’s soul rest in peace, and may her family one day find the closure they desperately seek.