The family of Egnar Tswane Sondezi, a 64-year-old woman from Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, is in shock following her brutal k!lling on Sunday, February 9.
Reports indicate that Sondezi had expressed fear for her safety to her grandson the previous night after hearing footsteps outside her home. In response, she left her room and sought refuge in a rondavel on the property.
Shortly after, a group of attackers stormed her residence, found Sondezi in the rondavel, and sh0t her more than 20 times before fleeing the scene.
Sondezi’s daughter, Fikile Tsotetsi, expressed her disbelief over the murder, saying, "We are confused why my mother was k!lled in such a callous manner." She further explained that her mother had been living with her grandson at the time of the attack, but emphasized that the family would not speculate on the motive and would allow the authorities to investigate.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a case of murd3r has been opened.
Matho Shozi, the provincial coordinator for the ANC Women's League provincial task team, condemned the k!lling as a "heinous" act, calling it a clear indication that women in the province are under siege. Shozi stressed that there was no justification for such an atrocity, urging the community to collaborate with the police and provide information to help capture those responsible. "We strongly condemn the brutal murder of a woman," she added, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gender-based viol3nce.
Shozi expressed confidence in the abilities of law enforcement and assured the family that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
