A year after her murder, the family of Zancha Carrihill de Langa gathered to remember a bright woman with a kind heart.

The 62-year-old Sonneveld resident was killed at her Zonnebloem Street home on October 8 last year. The suspect, her gardener, fled and has not been seen since.

At the time, police searched his shack, recovering two empty jewellery boxes and two firearms belonging to Zancha. On the anniversary of her death last week, family members reflected on the past year.

“It has been tough for many reasons. You are mourning the loss of your mum, but over and above that, you are also trying to bring her murderer to justice,” said Zancha’s daughter, Candice Carrihill.

“Emotions are very conflicted, I would not wish this on my worst enemy. I miss her care and unconditional love. She called every day to check in; nothing was too much to ask.

“She was the most amazing person, always smiling, always laughing, and she had the biggest heart. My only mission is to find him and his accomplices.”

A family member who asked not to be named said nothing has happened in the year since.

“We follow up with the police regularly, but nothing has changed,” said the relative.

This family member, who discovered Zancha’s body, was very close to her and called the house she lived in a second home.

“I spoke with her every evening, visited regularly, and we often had a drink together. She was very silly; we had the same personality and got along very well. We went to festivals and events together,” the relative said.

“The best part of her was her good heart. She cared for everyone, whether young or old, rich or poor; she didn’t see any difference.”

Zancha’s memorial at the entrance of her home is covered in red rose bouquets, her favourite flower. The family member recalls how she always had a fresh bouquet in the entrance hall.

She was also a proud dog owner, and her puppy, Kartreintjie, went to her husband after her death.

“She always had a dog and loved animals very much,” the family member added.

The investigation into Zancha’s murder is ongoing. According to Brakpan SAPS corporate communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi, the suspect fled to Zimbabwe. Extradition was attempted, but the incorrect residential address was provided.

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