The Newcastle and local LGBTQ+ communities are mourning the brutal murder of Hadebe (23) of Madadeni.
News of Hadebe’s death quickly sparked intense discussions on social media, focusing on issues of sexual orientation, privacy, and the risks of disclosing one’s identity. Conflicting reports have marked the circumstances surrounding his murder.
Initial accounts suggested that Hadebe had been taken to the bed and breakfast by a man he met after a night out at Kwa Mai Mai Market in downtown Johannesburg. This man reportedly mistook Hadebe for a woman.
According to those close to him, he had met his alleged killer during this outing. The man, unaware of Hadebe’s gender identity, reportedly showed a strong interest in him. Advocacy group Women for Change revealed that Hadebe was transgender and had recently started transitioning, presenting as a woman at the time of his death.
Reports suggest that Hadebe and his friends were approached by three men who offered to buy them drinks. One of these men showed particular interest in Hadebe. Despite a friend’s concern and advice to disclose his sexual orientation, Hadebe chose not to. The group eventually left together, and another friend was dropped off along the way under the pretext of wanting to be alone. The following morning, Hadebe’s body was discovered at the bed and breakfast, having been shot multiple times.
Friends of Hadebe believe the killing may have occurred after the man realized Hadebe was not the woman he had thought. One friend condemned the crime as “horrific” and called for justice, emphasizing that nothing justified taking Hadebe’s life.
Conflicting narratives about that night have emerged on social media. It was said they and Hadebe’s had been drinking together and had an earlier altercation with a taxi driver. They continued partying until early morning. At around 4:45 am, Hadebe informed a friend that he was heading home and left on foot.
Shortly afterwards, the friend received a distressing call from friends outside the pub, who reported that Hadebe had been shot. When they arrived at the scene, they found Hadebe on the ground, fatally wounded.
“Clemmy was a sweetheart, a bubbly person. She aspired to be a model and was widely regarded as a beauty. Her dreams, sadly, have been shattered,” said the friend.
Colonel Noxolo Kweza, a spokesperson for the Gauteng police, confirmed that a murder investigation is underway, though no arrests have been made yet.
In memory of Hadebe, the community held a candlelight vigil on August 16. He was laid to rest on Saturday, August 23, in Section 2, Madadeni.
The Newcastle Advertiser sends our condolences to Clement Hadebe’s family and friends.
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