Western Cape prison warden gunned down at her home

The motive behind the murder of a warden of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in George, Zoleka Phillips (46), who was gunned down inside her home in Asazani in Thembalethu on April 21, is still unknown.

It is believed that two armed men entered her home and opened fire. She sustained injuries to her head, neck and right leg.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the incident happened at about 20:40. When police arrived on the scene Phillips had already been taken to hospital with private transport, but she was declared dead on arrival.

“The motive for the killing is yet to be established. It forms part of the ongoing police investigation. The investigation into the matter is at an early stage,” said Spies.

Acting Regional Commissioner of DCS Veliswa Mvandaba extended her condolences on behalf of the department saying that they are rattled by the news of Phillips’ untimely death. She has been employed by the department since 2008.

“The violent manner in which she succumbed has left fellow colleagues in a state of disbelief and with many unanswered questions,” said Mvandaba.

The department encourages anyone who has information to come forward and report it to the police.

Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact the investigating officer on 079 894 1576 or 08600 10111. All information will be handled confidentially.

Attempts by George Herald to reach Phillips’ family members for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publishing.