The family of a young mom who was gunned down while carrying her baby on her back is begging witnesses to come forward with information.
Mom of three Zizipho Ntshikila, 27, and her boyfriend Luyanda Ntsukumbini, 33, were shot through the head execution-style while walking to a local tavern at about 10pm on Saturday.
Zizipho’s one-year-old son Amkele was wrapped in a towel on her back at the time of the attack in Browns Farm, Philippi, but the child was miraculously not harmed.
Zizipho’s body was found next to the road against a shack while Luyanda was in the road. Five cartridges, projectiles and a bullet casing were found on scene.
Residents said they heard several gunshots and seconds later a vehicle speeding away.
When they went outside, they found the couple’s lifeless bodies.
A resident who heard the baby crying took him off his mom’s back.
According to Zizipho’s uncle, Daluthando Basi, the couple had gone to buy alcohol and did not intend to stay at the tavern.
He believes the pair were targeted by a “family enemy” who wanted to silence the mom about a rape case.
“He had threatened them before and we believe he had been waiting for an opportunity to attack them and unfortunately they went to buy their drinks but they never made it,” he says.
“What angers and saddens me the most is that he attacked them, seeing they had a child with.
“Who knows how this is going to affect that child?
Basi adds: “Zizipho was vocal and was busy digging about a rape incident we had in the family and this boy probably knew she was close to exposing him and decided to eliminate her. We have lost a bold and courageous daughter.”
He says the resident who found Amkele kept him until the family arrived.
The child is currently in the care of Zizipho’s aunt, Nongena Rhola.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirms: “Nyanga police arrived at the crime scene in Sheffield Road [and] found the bodies of a male and female who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their heads.
“The motive for the attack is unknown. The unknown suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
“Nyanga Police are investigating a cases of murder. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”