Heartbreaking Tragedy: Mother and Her 19-Year-Old Daughter Shot D3ad in South Africa

 

In a tragic and heart-wrenching event that has shaken the community, a South African mother, Lusanda Coboza, 40, and her 19-year-old daughter, Anelisa Hailie-Jade Coboza, were both shot dead in their own home in Sakhasonke Village, Walmer Location, Gqeberha, on May 1, 2025. The brutal killings have left their loved ones devastated, with the funeral for the two victims held on May 10, 2025, in Soweto.

The harrowing incident was brought to light by Women for Change, an advocacy group dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. In a statement released on May 12, 2025, the group shared their profound sorrow over the deaths of these two innocent souls. The mother-daughter duo’s lives were tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence that has raised concerns about the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa.

According to local police reports, the tragic event unfolded when officers were called to the Walmer Location following reports of gunfire. Upon arriving at the scene, they found both Lusanda and Anelisa Hailie-Jade lying lifeless with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, both victims were pronounced dead on the spot, leaving the community in deep shock.

The perpetrators of this horrendous crime fled the scene, but law enforcement acted swiftly, and within hours, four men, aged between 28 and 46, were arrested in connection with the murders. Authorities are now investigating multiple charges related to this case, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. These charges underscore the gravity of the situation and the determination of the police to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Anelisa Hailie-Jade, a Grade 12 learner at Collegiate Girls’ High School in Gqeberha, was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely death, alongside her mother’s, has left her school and community in mourning. Many are struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a promising life, as well as the life of a mother who, by all accounts, was devoted to her family.

In response to the killings, Women for Change expressed their deep sorrow and frustration over the ongoing issue of violence against women and children in South Africa. In their statement, the group said, “We are heartbroken by the loss of such beautiful souls. Another mother and daughter were murdered. How many more must die before Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are declared a National Disaster?” These powerful words reflect the urgent need for the country to confront and address the alarming rates of violence against women and children, and to take more decisive action to protect vulnerable individuals from such brutal attacks.

The deaths of Lusanda and Anelisa are yet another tragic reminder of the growing crisis of gender-based violence that continues to plague South Africa. As more women and children fall victim to violent crimes, the call for stronger measures to combat femicide and protect victims becomes ever more urgent. With the support of advocacy groups like Women for Change, the hope is that more attention will be drawn to these horrific incidents, and that real change will come to prevent future tragedies.

This tragic incident has sparked widespread conversations about the safety of women and children in South Africa, and the need for the government and society as a whole to come together and address the root causes of this violence. In memory of Lusanda and Anelisa, their loved ones and the greater community are demanding action to ensure that no more lives are lost to such senseless violence.

The incident is still under investigation, and many hope that justice will be served for the victims and their families. The loss of Lusanda and Anelisa has left a lasting impact on their community, and their story serves as a painful reminder of the work still needed to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.