Facebook friend invite ends in murder 

By Doreen Mokgolo

• Lindiwe Msiza was shot and killed after meeting a Facebook friend.

• Her family says the woman who invited her has now vanished without a trace.

Lindiwe Msiza left her Tsakani home on Sunday night to celebrate a birthday with a woman she met on Facebook but she never made it back.

The 34-year-old mother was found dead in an open veld in Duduza the next day, shot multiple times.

A community member came across her body on Monday and alerted police. Her family identified her body at the Heidelburg Government Mortuary on Wednesday.

Ekurhuleni SAPS spokesperson Neldah Sekgobela confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder.

“ The deceased’s body was found at the back of Masechaba Water reservoir open field.

“The motive of the shooting is unknown and the suspect is also unknown,” she said.

Her sister Deli said the family was worried when Lindiwe said she was going to meet the Facebook friend for the first time.

“She told us she was invited to a birthday celebration at one of the places in town. When we questioned the friend, she promised they would be safe.

“Lindiwe left home around 7pm and got into an unknown car at the bus stop. We spoke to her around 10pm and she said they were about to leave,” Deli said.

But by Monday morning, Lindiwe had not returned. Her phone had been switched off and the family couldn’t reach her.

“We tried calling the woman, but her phone was also off. She’s not replying to any messages on Facebook either,” said Deli.

“We’re heartbroken. The only person who could give us answers has disappeared. Is she hiding, or was she part of this? Why would they kill my sister?”

Deli said Lindiwe adored her daughter and hardly went out. “This was her first night out and it cost her life.”

The family is still waiting for the post-mortem results to confirm the cause of death.

Police had not responded to questions by the time of publication.

Pictured above: Lindiwe Msiza.

Image source: Supplied by family