Operation Dudula has moved to set the record straight following a wave of online reports linking the brutal killing of its former national deputy chairperson, Daniell Radebe, to the organisation.
Radebe was killed on November 15 but claims that he was shot by Dudula members at a Johannesburg hospital while confronting foreign nationals have sparked outrage, and confusion.
The movement says the rumours are not only false, but deeply disrespectful to Radebe’s grieving family.
Operation Dudula secretary-general Zodwa Booi said the organisation is mourning his passing and called for sensitivity during a difficult time.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and pray that his soul rests in eternal peace,” Booi said.
She dismissed circulating reports as misinformation, saying they distort the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Mr Radebe was tragically stabbed, not shot, and his death has no connection whatsoever to members of Operation Dudula,” Booi said. “It is important that we correct these fabrications, especially out of respect for his family.”
Booi further clarified that Radebe left the movement long ago.
“He resigned from Operation Dudula two years ago. His passing is unrelated to the organisation, and we want the public to understand this clearly,” she said.
However, reaction to Radebe’s death has split social media users, with some celebrating the news and others reflecting on his legacy. On X, opinions ranged from sympathy to scathing criticism.
One user, @WalidDaBest1, wrote that Radebe had “wasted his life like a piece of cigarette over some useless thinking.”
“Just wasted his life like a piece of cigarette over some useless thinking. While other men of his age were busy chasing & fighting for survival, him & his hateful groups were busy fighting them. Let's see if his group is going to take care of his kids & the widow.”
“I thought you guys will never die the way you treat people, humiliate, beat them just because they are not talking your language. This tells you that there is no ownership in this world, God owns everything including your life. He is going to harass angels now,” said @13thGeneration.
“Let us stand together in gratitude, remembering his courage and devotion to protect the freedoms we hold dear. May his legacy inspire unity, resilience, and hope for a stronger South Africa free from criminals,” said @KennaGape.
“To those who are celebrating his death, you are now worse than him and his evil Dudula organisation. You're equally capable for his heinous murder and it's only that you lacked the opportunity. Let's empathize with his grieving family regardless of his evil ways,” said @Msaigwa1.
The Star