“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

The comforting words Thelma Amod whispers to every person who hugs her hang in the air.

Even in the depths of her own shattered world, she is the one offering comfort.

Witbank News reports that Thelma has not slept since New Year’s Day, when her daughter, Sarbhera Amod (38) the DA’s Provincial Director in Mpumalanga, was fatally shot, allegedly by her partner, who turned the gun on himself.

The family drove to Margate together for a holiday, and instead of driving back together, Amod followed behind in a hearse.

Mom heard everything

Thelma and her husband, Dennis Mkange, were relaxing when a sharp echo tore through their rented apartment, followed by a scream and Amod calling for her mom.

“My heart was ripped out of my body when I opened that bedroom door. My Sarbhi was shot in the head. There was blood everywhere. She died in my arms.”

The tragedy reportedly began with an argument over a skirt

Thelma overheard Amod’s partner complaining about a skirt she was wearing.

“We were among other holiday-goers. Sarbhi had a beautiful skirt on, and he did not like it. But that does not give him the right to take my daughter’s life.”

Thelma is trying to remain the pillar of the family.

She said she will not rest until she has given her daughter the dignified burial she deserves.

“Sarbhi was strong and independent. She was deeply loved, and she lived for her work. I will bury my daughter with dignity.”

In a moment that brought a heavy silence to the room, Thelma instinctively called out for her daughter to fetch her phone: “Sarbhi, please…”

The realisation of the silence that followed was broken only by the sound of the mother’s sobs.

“I am in a million pieces. I do not wish this on my worst enemy.”

The South Coast Herald reported that a 9mm Beretta pistol was found on the scene by police.

The DA in Mpumalanga posted that Amod will be remembered for her courageous spirit and brilliant operational mind.

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