61-year-old woman shot and killed in front of her niece in KwaZulu-Natal

The Reaction Unit South Africa(RUSA) reported that a 61-year-old woman was shot and killed while walking with her 15-year-old niece along a footpath in Magwaveni, Tongaat - KZN on Saturday afternoon.

According to security company statement, a resident contacted Reaction Unit South Africa(RUSA) for assistance at approximately 18:56. Reaction Officers & RUSA Paramedics were immediately dispatched and on arrival were directed to the unpaved pathway.

RUSA said according to the teenager, the pair entered a narrow pathway when a man emerged and appeared to be waiting for the elderly woman. The suspect produced a firearm and fired two shots, fatally wounding the victim in the chest. The teenager fled the scene during the attack.

The security company confirmed that the deceased, who was unemployed, was still in possession of her valuables, suggesting that robbery was not the motive. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting.

RUSA lamented that the motive for the murder remains unconfirmed at this stage.

Man assaulted and stabbed by neighbour 

In the second incident, the Reaction Unit South Africa(RUSA) reported that a 42-year-old man was assaulted and stabbed by his neighbour in Mhlasini - KZN on Saturday afternoon.

The statement said Reaction Unit South Africa(RUSA) received a call for assistance after the injured man concealed himself at a nearby residence following the attack. The caller informed the Operations Centre that the suspect had allegedly threatened to inflict further harm if the victim failed to hand over cash to purchase alcohol.

The security company stated that Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched and on arrival were informed that the suspect had fled the scene. According to community members, the victim had been consuming alcohol with his neighbour when an argument ensued. The suspect allegedly assaulted and stabbed him during the confrontation. The injured male fled and sought help from other residents in the area.

Details surrounding the stabbing were not immediately established, the RUSA concluded.