Nomzila Madinane opened her pharmacy last week.
Image: Photo: Facebook
The village of Inchanga, situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, has been left reeling after a pharmacist, her employee and a security guard were shot and killed at a recently opened pharmacy in KwaNyuswa on Tuesday.
All three victims were allegedly gunned down by unknown assailants who fled the scene after the attack.
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that three murder cases have since been opened for investigation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said pharmacist Nomzila Madinane and her female cashier were fatally shot at the recently opened Nomuzi Pharmacy in KwaNyuswa.
According to Netshiunda, the security guard was also shot when he attempted to intervene during the attack and later succumbed to his injuries.
Madinane, a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, had recently opened the pharmacy with the aim of improving access to healthcare and medication for residents in the area, many of whom previously travelled long distances to obtain essential medical services.
Instead, her life was cut short in the violent attack.
Netshiunda said the shooting took place in broad daylight and involved several armed suspects.
“Inchanga police opened three cases of murder following an incident in which two females and a security guard were shot by unknown individuals,” he said.
The motive for the killings remains unclear at this stage as police investigations continue.
Residents have since taken to social media to express shock and grief over the murders.
Many described Madinane as more than just a business owner, remembering her for her efforts to improve healthcare access within the Valley of a Thousand Hills community.
The killings have also renewed calls from residents for stronger crime prevention and improved safety measures in the area.
DAILY NEWS