FOLLOW-UP: ‘When my child died, I died with her’ – Mom grieves for murdered daughter

Phumzile Ngwenya, the mother of the woman shot in a business robbery at the Engen garage in Daveyton early on May 5 and who later died in the hospital, said she is devastated and shattered by this tragic incident.

Her daughter, Ntokozo Ngwenya (21), and an e-hailing driver were fatally wounded in the early morning robbery after a group of armed robbers stormed the premises and forced the staff to open the shop.

They bombed the drop-in safe and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

According to Ekurhuleni district police spokesperson Captain Nelda Sekgobela, while some robbers were inside the shop, others remained outside, telling customers who had arrived to refuel to exit their vehicles and lie on the ground.

The e-hailing driver, who was transporting Ntokozo and a friend, reportedly tried to reverse the vehicle and was shot dead at the scene.

Ntokozo sustained gunshot wounds and later died in the hospital from her injuries. Her friend survived.

The grieving mother said her daughter’s death had left a permanent void. “Things will never be the same again. When my child died, I died with her.”

Phumzile said her daughter phoned her after being shot, so she rushed to the garage, where she found her child sitting helplessly in the back of the driver’s seat with gunshot wounds to her upper body and face.

“We waited for the ambulance, but it took too long, so I decided to rush her to the clinic. We were then transferred to the Far East Hospital. My child fought for her life as I continuously spoke to her, pleading for her not to sleep. She responded, ‘Mama, I’m in pain’.”

Ngwenya said the state in which she found her child broke her.

“If I could have, I would’ve taken her pain. I had hoped that she’d recover because the hospital did everything in its power to save her, but unfortunately, she didn’t survive.”

She explained that her daughter, who matriculated a few years ago from Willowmoore High School, was on her way home from work when she and a friend requested the e-hailing service.

Ntokozo temporarily worked as a waitress at an entertainment establishment in a section called Sgodi in Etwatwa.

“I have lost my best friend. She was the sweetest soul, humble, and respected everyone, regardless of whether she knew you.”

She called for justice, saying her child had died brutally.

The 21-year-old will be missed by her family, including her four siblings. A memorial service will be held today, May 8, from 17:30 to 18:30 on Ramza Street, Daveyton.

The Daveyton SAPS have opened cases of murder and business robbery, but have not yet made any arrests. Investigations are ongoing.

The police urge anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially.

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