Tsakani – The Nhlapo family wants justice for their daughter, Ntombikayise Nhlapo (28), whose body was found in Tsakani Ext 19 near a church on November 23.

Her cousin, Mpumi Nhlapo, said they only learnt about her death the next day via Facebook.

“The Facebook post had a picture of her lying in a pool of blood. Immediately after seeing it, we were able to identify her through the clothes she wore and her birthmark.

“Ntombikayise left home on Sunday afternoon as a person who would return,” explained Mpumi.

Eye-witnesses at the home where she was assisting told the family that Ntombikayise left willingly in a taxi, and it seemed as if she knew the people she was travelling with.

Passersby at the scene told the family that a taxi had stopped in front of them, from where Ntombikayise was pulled out and shot.

“They were also scared, so they ran. When they returned, the taxi was driving off, so they could not get the registration number.

“It was said that Ntombikayise was still breathing at the time, but paramedics arrived and declared her dead,” said Mpumi.

Ntombikayise’s mother, Busisiwe Nhlapo (57), described her daughter as a loving child with whom she had a solid bond. She had spent that Sunday morning with her daughter.

“We had tea together on Sunday morning and great conversations. Little did I know that I was spending time with my daughter for the last time.

“I even sent her to refill our gas cylinder. When she returned, I scolded her for not washing the previous evening’s dishes.

“Because she was an obedient child, she did the dishes and told me where she would be going later,” her mother explained, tearing up.

Her mother added that even when Ntombikayise returned home late and found her asleep, she would always wake her to let her know she was back.

She said not hearing from her daughter on Sunday night left her deeply worried. The Nhlapo family described their loved one as a bubbly, talkative and funny individual who was full of life.

“She was the life of the party, and her character was well-received by many,” said Lungile.

Another family member, Sibongile Nhlapo, urged community members with any information about her cousin’s death to come forward.

“We want justice for our sister; she did not deserve to die in that manner. Our biggest hope is for the police to assist by finding the perpetrators.

“If there is a way for the police to retrieve the bullet from her body and trace it, we would be deeply grateful,” she said.

The family also needs help with the burial arrangements and contributions, such as food and refreshments. The African Reporter contacted the Tsakane SAPS but had not received a response at the time of publication.

ALSO READ: Meet the woman driving social crime prevention in Duduza

ALSO READ: Disabled Tsakani teen gains mobility through Trust donation