KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Meyer has expressed alarm over the increasing killings of women and children, following the tragic murder of department official Zandile Ngcobo and her 11-year-old son at their home on Sunday night.
Ngcobo, who was pregnant, was shot dead in the attack. A six-year-old child, the only survivor, witnessed the horrific incident. Police have confirmed that murder cases are under investigation and suspect that the perpetrator may have been known to the family.
The killings occurred on the eve of South Africa's 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign aimed at addressing gender-based violence.
Speaking at a media briefing in Durban, Meyer highlighted the gravity of the crime and the importance of the campaign.
"The news is still a bit sketchy, but it does seem like it was someone known to the family who committed the murder. As a department, we have been in touch with the husband. Another child saw this happen, and it is absolutely unacceptable that we live in a society where such violence persists," he said.
Ngcobo’s death underscores the urgent need for greater efforts to combat violence against women and children, a crisis that continues to plague communities across the country. Police investigations are ongoing.