TRIBUTES have begun pouring in for Dr Vajnah Banoo Mahomed who was brutally murdered in her uMgeni Park home last week. The 63-year-old’s decomposed body was found by a neighbour at her Browns Drift Road home. Masking tape had been wrapped around her mouth and she had suffered injuries to her head. Mahomed worked as the district surgeon at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in uMlazi, and worked with victims of rape, sexual abuse and domestic abuse.
Mahomed, who retired in May, had spent her time at the Thuthuzela Care Centre, a haven dedicated to taking care of sexually assault victims.
KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo paid a moving tribute to Mahomed at memorial service organised by Prince Mshiyeni management. Dhlomo, as well as hospital staff, spoke to Ismail Mohomed, her only brother and relatives during the memorial.
“We agreed with the Premier that a fitting homage be paid to this committed, caring and industrious doctor. What saddens us most is the fact that Dr Mohamed was attacked and killed during 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children. I hope law enforcement agencies will work tirelessly to find perpetrators of this ghastly crime,” he said.
Jackie Branfield, of the Bobbi Bear Foundation said they would be honouring the uMgeni Park resident during the 16 Days of No Violence.
“We had known each other since the 1990s and I was shattered to hear of her death. She was the most incredible person and always treated her patients with respect and care. She would go the extra mile doing things and that’s testament to her spirit. We are going to use the 16 days to honour her memory for what she gave for so many people,” Branfield said.
Greenwood Park Police have confirmed the murder case has been handed over to the Provincial Task Team. The motive for the murder has still not been established.