The Bizili community in KwaPata, Pietermaritzburg, is reeling after the violent death of a senior government official over the weekend, in an incident that has cast a harsh spotlight on gender-based violence (GBV) in KZN, reports the Eyethu News.

This comes after KZN Department of Social Development human resource practitioner: Service conditions, Siphokazi Sithole-Nomvalo, was shot dead, allegedly by her spouse, who is reported to have taken his own life shortly afterwards on Saturday night.

Following this incident, KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga condemned the killing, describing it as another devastating example of GBV, which continues to claim the lives of women across the country.

“The loss of Mrs Sithole is not only a loss to her family but to the department and the broader public service,” said Shinga.

“We cannot normalise violence within intimate relationships. We must continue to speak out, intervene early, and support victims before lives are lost,” added Shinga.

She reiterated that GBV is a gross violation of human rights and has no place in society, adding that such acts undermine the safety, dignity and well-being of women and children, and require collective action from all sectors of society.

Shinga conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Sithole’s family, friends and colleagues.

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