Two young women were gunned down while walking home in France, Pietermaritzburg, on Thursday night, leaving their families shattered and desperate for answers.

The Witness reports that Thembelihle Zondi (23) and Nokwanda Hlangu (22) were found lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds after an apparent ambush in the Mpumelelo Section at about 20:50.

According to Zondi’s relative, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, the pair had earlier visited another friend. They were on their way back to their homes when they were shot dead.

“We don’t know what happened. We are left with unanswered questions about what they did to deserve to die like this,” said the devastated family member.

“When I arrived at the scene, I checked if she [Zondi] was still breathing, but she was already dead.

“I haven’t slept since. We want the people who did this to be found so they can explain why they killed them. We also want them to rot in jail.”

The family said they searched Zondi’s phone, hoping to find clues that could explain the attack, but found nothing.

“There was no one she was fighting with. There was no warning,” said the relative.

Recalling the incident, the family member said the shooting unfolded moments after a suspicious vehicle was seen driving through the area.

“We were sitting outside because it was very hot. We saw a car, and the driver was talking on the phone.

“Two-armed men jumped out and walked past our house. The next thing we heard was gunshots. We ran inside for cover.”

The relative said they initially dismissed the sound as ordinary gunfire, common in the area, until a community member arrived with shocking news.

“He came to ask if I had [someone’s] number and told me that Nokwanda had been shot. I was shocked because she was with my [relative]. He came back again to tell me that my [relative] had also been shot.”

KZN SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that officers from Alexandra Road police station are investigating the murders.

“The victims are known in the area, but the motive for the attack is still unknown,” Magwaza said.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.