Teen stabbed to death days before her birthday
“This is a tragic and senseless murder of a young woman,” said Capt Nomsa Sekele.
Happy and excited to celebrate her 19th birthday on April 17, beauty student Amanda Lightfoot’s life was cut short after she was stabbed to death in what is suspected to have been an opportunistic crime.
Lightfoot was killed on April 14 just after 13:00 in Windermere Drive, Farrarmere.
According to initial information received from the Benoni SAPS, the Atlasville resident was waiting in a parked vehicle outside her boyfriend’s workplace, when an unknown person approached her.
“We do not have more information about what transpired during the altercation but it seems that Amanda tried to flee,” said Sharmain Lightfoot, Amanda’s mother.
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In a statement received from Captain Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the Benoni SAPS, a supervisor alerted her boyfriend that something was happening outside.
“When the boyfriend went to investigate, he found the victim walking towards him. She had sustained a stab wound to her upper body,” said Sekele.
“The boyfriend and his uncle immediately rushed her to a local hospital but she was declared dead on arrival.”
The murder weapon, a knife, was recovered on the scene and investigations into the matter are underway.
Speaking to the City Times, Sharmain said that they are battling to come to terms with the death of her daughter.
“She was so excited about her upcoming birthday,” the distraught mother said.
“It is difficult to talk about what happened and the immense loss that her father, Herman, and I are feeling. We are devastated and everyone who knew and loved her is feeling the pain.”
Bereaved friends and family have paid tribute to the young and inspirational woman by laying flowers and leaving messages of sympathy at the family home.
No funeral arrangements have yet been made as the autopsy is yet to be concluded.
Anyone with information about this incident may contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Information can be given anonymously.
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