What was once a month of celebration for Shaka’s Head mother Smangele Dube, is now a time of sorrow as she still has no closure or justice a year after her firstborn son was shot and killed in July last year – his birthday month.
At least three people died and several were injured during riots on the North Coast.
KwaDukuza Saps arrested about 20 people for possession of items suspected to be stolen, 15 for public violence and three for possession of unlicensed firearms.
Two people died after being fatally shot during unrest in Shaka’s Head and a third died after being stabbed in KwaDukuza town.
“I was there, but did not realise Lwazi was also present as I had left him in the house,” said the 37-year-old mother, who said her son was unarmed.
“When we heard gunshots, I saw someone had been shot. I went to check who had been hurt, but then another gunshot was fired and we ran. For some reason I looked back, and that is when I saw a security man pointing his gun at a boy who had been hit and was falling over.
“In that instant I recognised my son. I ran to him. I was not even fearful of being shot myself because I was sure it was my child. When I reached him, he was lying down, his kidneys exposed from the gunshot wound. The man who shot him was simply standing there and watched me cry over my boy,” said Dube.
ALSO READ: Protest activity intensifies overnight, multiple road closures
She said Lwazi was taken to Netcare Alberlito hospital in Ballito by Shaka’s Head residents, but he died seven days later. His mother still does not know who paid for the private medical care.
“An Umhlali detective came to see me afterwards and took a statement, but that was the last time I heard from him or anybody else. I wish to know what happened so that I can get closure.
“I told the police I could identify the man who killed my son. I saw him with my own two eyes, but no one was arrested for the shooting.
“I tried to pursue the matter, but so far I have had no response.”
Lwazi was in Grade 9 at Sizani Combined School and his mother said he supported the family.
ALSO READ: Chaos on North Coast, shopping centres close in wake of violent protests [Watch]
“I am unemployed and survive on the child support grants of my four remaining children. It was never enough and Lwazi would work as a taxi conductor on weekends and school holidays to supplement our income.
“He was such a responsible boy, each cent he got he would bring home or use to buy food we needed.”
Since her son’s death Dube said she survives on the mercy of her neighbours.
Her biggest wish is to place a tombstone on her son’s grave.
Saps had not responded at the time of going to print.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
