Brutal killings leave two families mourning as the new year begins

As we enter the new year, two families are grieving: one in KwaZulu-Natal and the other in Gauteng.

What was meant to be a festive holiday on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast ended in tragedy after a couple was found dead inside holiday accommodation in Margate on New Year’s Day.

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that police responded to reports of gunshots and discovered the bodies of a man and a woman inside one of the rooms, both with gunshot wounds. The couple was believed to have been on holiday with family at the time.

Magwaza said the woman’s mother overheard a heated argument coming from the couple’s room, followed by gunshots. When she went to investigate, she found both victims fatally wounded.

“The mother reportedly heard an argument and then gunshots emanating from the room. Upon checking, she discovered the couple with gunshot wounds,” Magwaza said.

The woman was later identified as Sarbhera Amod, 38, the Democratic Alliance’s provincial director in Mpumalanga. 

It is alleged that Amod was shot by her partner, who then turned the firearm on himself. Family members reportedly heard the argument before the shooting, with the partner allegedly complaining about a skirt Amod was wearing.

Thelma Mkange described discovering her daughter’s death as shattering.

“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,” she said. 

Mkange recalled that they were among other holiday-goers at the time and that her daughter had been wearing a skirt the attacker disapproved of but stressed that this gave him no right to take her life.

Despite her grief, Mkange is striving to remain a pillar for her family and has vowed to ensure her daughter receives a dignified burial.

“Sarbhi was strong and independent. She was deeply loved, and she lived for her work. I will bury my daughter with dignity,” she said, adding, “I am in a million pieces. I do not wish this on my worst enemy.”

The Democratic Alliance conveyed its condolences to Amod’s family, describing her as a courageous leader with a brilliant operational mind. The party said her dedication to the organisation had left a lasting impact, extending sympathies to her mother, brother, extended family, and colleagues.

In a separate incident, another young woman was shot and killed in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, on December 31.

According to Women For Change, Xabiso Pearl Kambi was working at her family’s shop when three unknown men allegedly approached her in an attempted robbery. 

She was reportedly shot multiple times before the suspects fled the scene and was declared dead at the scene. No arrests have been made.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za