Reuben Marsberg: KZN family seeks justice for son slain in Limpopo

Months after the disappearance and murder of 22-year-old Reuben Marsberg, his family says the hardest part is not only the loss itself but the unanswered questions and the toll of waiting for justice.

Reuben, a diesel mechanic from KwaZulu-Natal, went missing on November 27, 2025 after relocating to Limpopo for work in the forestry sector. His white Toyota Land Cruiser was found three days later, stripped and abandoned in the bush. On December 12, 2025, his belongings and remains were discovered.

“It is an emotional rollercoaster for us, from day one,” said Reuben’s mother, Virginia Marsberg. “First, they thought he had gone fishing on his own, which was out of character for my son. Then they suspected he had been kidnapped or hijacked after they found his Cruiser. So for two weeks, we searched day and night between six of us.”

A suspect was later arrested and allegedly admitted to killing Reuben, but the post-mortem failed to provide clear answers, deepening the family’s distress.

“Then he got arrested and admitted to killing my son that night, then suddenly the post-mortem doesn't reveal anything,” Marsberg said. “It is a nightmare. What did they actually do to my son then?”

The remains have since been sent to an anthropologist in Pretoria, as investigators believe more people may have been involved.

“It’s a horrible feeling knowing that he is covering up for others and that they are roaming free,” she said.

While the investigation continues, the family says holding onto who Reuben was has become essential to surviving the grief.

“There are just too many stories to tell about him,” Marsberg said.

“He was definitely not an ordinary young man for his age. His passion was his work as a diesel mechanic in the forestry sector since he was a little boy. And his family meant more to him than anything.”

She described him as a young man defined by kindness and responsibility.

“He really was a kind, genuine, loving young man who would have helped anyone,” she said.

Reuben’s death followed another devastating loss for the family.

His father passed away shortly after Reuben returned from Limpopo in 2024, forcing the young man into a leadership role within the household.

“He then took on the role of leader in the family and matured overnight,” Marsberg said. “We know Ruby wouldn’t want us to give up on life. Our family has always shared a very close bond. We only can wish to follow in his legacy.”

Even in their grief, the family says they are trying to live in a way that reflects Reuben’s character.

“Trying to be a better person and always see the good in people where we can,” Marsberg said. “Because no matter who did Reuben in, he always had a good heart and always tried to help.”

She added that unexpected kindness from others has helped carry them through.

“Even in this horrible time, we have met the most wonderful people, which always gives you hope,” she said.

As the murder trial proceeds in Limpopo, the family is now facing severe financial strain. Reuben was the main breadwinner, and the cost of travelling repeatedly between KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo for court appearances has become overwhelming.

“The ongoing travel has become extremely costly,” the family said. “We are under immense financial strain.”

They will also need to bring Reuben home and arrange for his cremation once the trial concludes, which they say will be another significant expense.

The family has urged the public not to let Reuben’s story fade.

“Only to keep posting about Reuben to keep his memory alive and make sure justice is done,” Marsberg said.

“Reuben’s life was not tragically lost, it was ripped away in the most unimaginable way,” the family said. “His life mattered. When a life is taken in such a senseless and brutal way, justice must be served.”

The family opened a Back a Buddy campaign for donations with the expenses: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/justice-for-22-year-old-reuben-marsberg

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