The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community has suffered another loss with the devastating death of Zoliswa Vuthela.
The 32-year-old was in her house in KwaKhikhi, Gugulethu when she was shot three times on Sunday 13 November.
Sergeant Sindisiwe Ngqele, spokesperson for Gugulethu Police Station, says that a murder case was opened investigating a woman who was allegedly shot and killed by two unknown men.
“No arrest has been made yet and the case is under investigation,” said Ngqele.
Sandy Nonzaba, a friend of Zoliswa, described the victim as a humble and humorous person, who did not deserve to die the way she did.
Nonzaba says that a neighbour who was at the house when the incident happened reported that Zoliswa was shot inside her bedroom following an altercation with an unknown man.
“She said when she arrived at the deceased’s house at about 8pm the deceased was with another man and they were arguing. Zoliswa was demanding money that the man owed her,” said Nonzaba.
She added that the man was showing Zoliswa his wallet and saying that he didn’t have any money, then suggesting that they should go to a nearby shop to withdraw the cash.
Nonzaba said that on their way out, the pair was approached by two men who asked to talk to Zoliswa. She went back into the house with the two men, and the neighbour followed. The man who owed her money did not return to the house.
“When they entered the house, Zoliswa’s neighbour was ordered to sit down and close her eyes and ears,” Nonzaba explained.
She details that the two men forced Zoliswa into her bedroom. The neighbour heard them speaking, and then there were three gunshots. The two men proceeded to leave.
Zoliswa was shot in the eye, chest and thigh, getting killed in what Nonzaba believes was an orchestrated death.
After the incident, Nonzaba explains that Zoliswa’s family tried to phone the man who had the initial altercation for more information, but that he hung up on them.
Earlier on Sunday, Zoliswa had informed her family about the man, saying that he owed her R150.
“There are speculations that the unknown man is staying at Sweet Home informal settlement in Philippi. When the family members contacted him and asked if he heard that [Zoliswa] was killed he responded and said he heard about it from his uncle. But when the family members asked him why he didn’t come he hung up his phone,” said Nonzaba.
She explains that the family wants the police to arrest the culprits.
In the meantime, Zoliswa’s body is leaving Cape Town today to be buried in the Eastern Cape.
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Picture: News24