A memorial service was held for Grade 9 pupil Inako Magidiwana at Alexander Road High School in Gqeberha. She was killed in a drive-by shooting while walking home on Sunday night.
Her devastated mother was sobbing softly at the back of the packed school hall, as the 15-year-old girl was revered for her good manners and quiet nature by teachers and learners alike.
Magidiwana was one of the victims of a weekend of brutal, bloody and indiscriminate shootings, which have spilled into the beginning of this week. Sixteen people were gunned down, leaving cops scratching their heads and families having to bury 13 loved ones.
Apparently Magidiwana heard one of the gunmen shouting “I’m going to kill someone tonight”. Shocked by the words, she started running, but the suspects showed no mercy and shot and killed her.
It started just a few streets away with the birthday massacre in the Kwazakhele township on Sunday afternoon.
Eight people were mowed down by two gunmen who stormed into a crowded room and opened fire. It was at Vusumzi Sishuba’s 50th birthday braai. He was shot dead along with seven others. A further three are fighting for their lives in hospital.
But that was not the end of killings. Just hours later four more people were gunned down in different parts of Gqeberha, young Magidiwana one of them.
In nearby Soweto-on-sea, also on Sunday night, 28-year-old Sibusiso Jack ran into a local tavern, where he collapsed due to a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says the tavern owner and his patrons immediately ran for cover, only to find the body of Anele Roxo, 19, outside. Roxo had been shot in the head and neck.
Naidu said it was later discovered that the same suspects went to a nearby house and shot a 35-year-old man in the head. He was identified as Siyabonga Dakela.
Two days later, on Tuesday, a 73-year-old woman was shot and killed inside her home by two unknown suspects in New Brighton township.
The police say at this point there’s nothing linking the shootings and that the motive for all of them is unclear.
No arrests were made in all of the shooting incidents, including the Birthday Massacre. However, investigations are ongoing.
Pictured above: The 15-year-old gun violence victim, Inako Magidiwana
Image source: Supplied
