Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza has condemned the killing of a nurse, allegedly by her lover, in the area of Esikhaleni Township, Richards Bay.
This comes after Nomkhosi Zungu, 35, was stabbed and had her throat slit after returning home from her shift at The Bay Hospital.
According to the MEC, the victim was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend with whom she shared a house in Esikhaleni.
It was reported that the boyfriend called the deceased’s sister to inform her that he was going to kill Zungu before proceeding to take his own life.
Khoza conveyed her condolences to the family of the deceased and described her murder as devastating and urged society to take a stance in the protection of women.
"We condemn Zungu's murder in the strongest terms and we want to appeal to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged killer to contact the police," she said.
She added that the circumstances leading to the kind of violence perpetrated against innocent and defenceless women were incomprehensible.
“How can a person murder the very same woman that he claims to love. It is hurting and disturbing to hear about the killings of women and children daily in this province," said Khoza.
She further called on women to prioritise themselves and walk away from toxic relationships.
"We have been running a lot of campaigns as the Department to equip our children on how to identify or avoid toxic relationships. As families, we also need to play a role in helping our children to escape from these toxic relationships," she said.
Khoza encouraged members of society to play a role in the fight against gender based violence (GBV) and urged community members to work alongside law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The MEC has since dispatched social workers to provide psycho-social support Zungu’s family and colleagues.
Spokesperson for the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Siwe Nxumalo confirmed the incident.
“On 7 September 2022 at 07:30 Esikhaleni police were called to Mzingwenya Reserve where a 35-year-old female was killed by a known suspect. It is alleged that he informed his sister that he killed his girlfriend. A case of murder was opened at Esikhaleni SAPS and the matter is under investigation,” she said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE