Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal – 31 March 2025
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli has expressed profound shock and sorrow following a harrowing gender-based violence and femicide (GBV&F) incident that unfolded in Lindelani Village, under the Umzinto Local Municipality.
The tragic event, which occurred on 30 March 2025, saw a suspect allegedly shoot and kill his girlfriend, Nandipha Lifana (36), and her sister, Nangamso Lifana (28), before turning the gun on himself. In a heartbreaking turn, a woman from a neighbouring home who attempted to intervene was also shot and wounded. She is currently receiving medical care and is reportedly in recovery.
Premier Ntuli visited the grieving families of the Lifana sisters to extend condolences on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. He also met with the family of the wounded woman to offer support and wish her a swift recovery.
“This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the deep crisis we face as a society when it comes to GBV and femicide,” said Premier Ntuli. “We cannot afford to become numb to these horrors. We must act with renewed urgency to protect women and girls across our province.”
The Premier’s visit follows a similarly brutal incident in December last year, in which Nontobeko Cele, also from Umzinto (KwaCele village), was killed by her boyfriend, who later posted her lifeless body on social media before taking his own life.
Premier Ntuli condemned the ongoing violence and urged women in abusive relationships to seek help and remove themselves from dangerous situations. He also called on families to refrain from encouraging victims to stay in harmful relationships in the name of tradition, shame, or fear.
“No relationship is worth a life,” he stressed. “We must stand together to break the cycle of silence and inaction. Government, communities, families—we all have a role to play in ending this senseless violence.”
This latest tragedy strengthens the provincial government’s resolve to combat GBV&F through prevention campaigns, survivor support services, improved policing, and stronger community partnerships.
KwaZulu-Natal continues to mourn yet another loss while renewing the fight for a safer, more just society where women can live free of fear.