KZN Premier visits family of sisters shot dead in domestic dispute
Locals were left traumatised after discovering that one of the victims was pregnant when she was murdered.
There is much sadness in Umzinto after the murder of two sisters, Nandipha Lifana and Nangamso Lifana.
The double murder unfolded at the Lindelani settlement (temporary housing) in Umzinto on Sunday afternoon at about 16:00, where Nandipha’s boyfriend, Nkanyiso Shezi, a security guard, had a domestic dispute with her.
The dispute escalated, and Nandipha was shot dead. Her sister tried to intervene and was also killed.
Thereafter, a neighbour heard gunshots and ran over to help. She was shot in the mouth but was able to flee and receive medical attention.
Shezi then turned the gun on himself and died at the scene.
A licensed 9mm pistol was found at the scene.
Police confirmed that Nandipha and Shezi were in a relationship and that they shared two children.
Locals were left traumatised after discovering that Nandipha was also pregnant at the time.
KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Umdoni mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli and the Saps’ Major General Sethenya Nxamagele were part of the team that visited Umzinto police station on Monday this week to address the double murder and gender-based violence (GBV) in the Umdoni area.
Nxamagele said that this incident is worrisome, regardless of all the recent GBV awareness campaigns.
She also stated that it was the second incident of GBV and murder in the area. Before the Umzinto double murder, another incident was reported in Amandawe that morning, where a woman was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend.
Ntuli said that he was concerned.
His visit was aimed at engaging with law enforcement authorities and reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to tackling GBV through justice, support for victims and preventive measures.
After a briefing at the police station, the team visited the bereaved family to offer their condolences.
Ntuli also mentioned that they would assist with funeral arrangements.
“This devastating incident highlights the continuing scourge of GBV, which the provincial government is fiercely fighting,” he said.
“Last year, Nontobeko Cele, also of Umzinto from KwaCele village, was killed by her boyfriend, who later posted her lifeless body on social media platforms and thereafter took his own life.”
Ntuli condemned the killing of the two sisters, urged women to flee from abusive relationships before it is too late, and discouraged families who urge women to stay in such toxic relationships.
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