Pastor’s wife gunned down after church service

THE brutal murder of a Mzingazi community worker, Deborah Busisiwe Nxumalo, has left the community shocked and saddened.

The 63-year-old pastor’s wife was gunned down in her home last Tuesday shortly after returning from a church meeting at around 8pm.

According to Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira, the victim had left church and went to her house which was on the same property.

‘The woman was alone in the house and witnesses said they heard a gunshot and found that the pensioner had been shot.

‘She was rushed to Ngwelezane Hospital and transferred to Albert Ntuli where she died over the weekend.

‘No valuables were taken from the premises and police are requesting help from the community.

‘Anyone who might have some information relating to the murder can contact Constable DS Biyela on 035 9012424,’ said Ferreira.

Involvement

Meanwhile her daughter Nokukhanya Bhengu said they were deeply hurt by the incident as their mother was an active member of the community and involved in ministry work and outreach.

‘My parents opened a church in Mzingazi and my mother also supported the ministry in establishing tent churches across the country.

‘As a community health worker she volunteered her services and was sponsored by a corporate business and continued to serve as a home-based caregiver until she began offering training to other women in the area as community-based caregivers.

‘In 2006 she opened a community orphanage, Sithokozile Orphans Daycare Centre, to care for babies and toddlers of parents who could not afford to pay fees.

‘She was passionate about young people and conducted life skills and health reproductive awareness at schools,’ said Bhengu.