The heartbroken mum of a man who died after being found seriously injured in Glasgow says she has been left in "indescribable pain" as she hailed her "loving and caring" son. Siphamandla Libalele, 39, was discovered badly hurt by emergency services on Langbar Crescent in the east of the city on Tuesday, May 9.
Ambulance crews attended and Siphamandla was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary with serious injuries, but he sadly passed away in the hospital five days later. Officers arrested and charged a 21-year-old in connection with the death.
The man appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court on June 5 where he made no plea and was remanded in custody. Siphamandla's devastated mum, Noxolo Libalele, says that the loss of her son has left a massive hole in the family.
She told Glasgow Live: "He loved making us laugh and made sure we were in good spirits. We spoke daily, he would be on the phone for an hour. He loved having a good time and cared so much about his friends. I could say so much about him, he never liked conflict and was always trying to keep the peace in tense situations.
"He was doing everything to try and help his unemployed brothers and would send most of his money home to us. We are in indescribable pain after losing my son. We will always love and miss him."
Originally from South Africa, Siphamandla had lived in the UK for more than a decade. His friend of 10 years, Sindiso Sira Joya, has organised a fundraiser to raise cash to ensure that his body returns home to rest near his family.
Sindisio said: "I was boarding a flight when I found out. When I landed and got off the plane it hit me and I just started sobbing at uncontrollably Luton Airport.
"It was one of the most heartbreaking things I've been through. We were planning to meet in Glasgow at a barbecue. It really was one of the most painful days I've had in a really long time. I was just in disbelief."
Siphamandla had become well-known in the community and enjoyed pushing others to achieve great things. Sindisio added: "He was a person who loved unconditionally and was also loved by many. He was really into his music, entertainment and boxing. He loved encouraging other people to do their best.
"He was in the process of getting a boxer across from South Africa to start his career in the UK, Siphamandla himself was a good boxer. We have created a WhatsApp group where we can share our wonderful stories about him and we also held a virtual memorial service for him.
"He was a guy with a big heart, smile and personality, who just wanted to do right by everyone. He wasn't just a big part of the South African community. He made friends with everyone and apparently loved Celtic. What kills us is that he died alone in hospital."
On June 30, Siphamandla's friends from across the country are set to travel for his funeral to give the 39-year-old "the send off he deserves".
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man in Glasgow. The 39-year-old was found seriously injured on Langbar Crescent in Glasgow around 12.15am on Tuesday, 9 May, 2023.
"He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where died on Sunday, May 14. The 21-year-old was due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, June 5. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
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