VAALBANK - The family of a Mpumalanga woman allegedly murdered by an off-duty security guard is demanding justice for her children.
Thirty-six-year-old Lebogang Phetla was killed in a hail of bullets in Vaalbank, Mpumalanga, on Saturday evening.
Her four children were watching as a domestic dispute turned deadly.
Sello Seletja showed no restraint as Phetla’s four children begged him for mercy.
The off-duty security officer now faces murder and attempted murder charges.
He is accused of killing Phetla and wounding a 34-year-old man.
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Vusi Phetla, the victim's brother said the family was shattered by the tragic incident.
"When I arrived at the scene, I found a lifeless body lying on the floor with one [bullet] hole. My nephews were in the police van. They were all crying non-stop.”
Witnesses say 14 shots went off that evening, with at least three injuring the mother of four.
"This is one of the most painful situations that I will have to face for the rest of my life. It's a trauma that my nephews will never forget."
The 45-year-old Seletja fled the scene. He was later be found hiding in a shack more than 20km away.
Maria Phetla, the victim's said: "She was already cold when I found her. I cried, 'Lebo, you've left me with your kids. What will I do with them?' I don’t know what to do. It’s too painful. I can’t sleep at night. I’m now dependent on pills. I don't know what to do. This hurts a lot. I wish I could wake her up, but it's not possible."
Family members say investigations have been slow.
With femicide beyond crisis point in the country, Phetla’s family hopes she will not become just another statistic.
The suspect returns to the Mbibane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, where Phetla's family and community groups are demanding that bail be denied.
Report by Naomi Kobbie