A 32-year-old man accused of killing his two sisters outside Portland Primary School on Thursday will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court today.
According to the Cape Argus, Police say the women, identified as Gouwa Smith-Newman (26) and Zainab Jacobs (30), were shot at about 3pm while collecting children from the school.
The Plainsman reported that a 12-year-old boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting, which witnesses described as chaotic and terrifying.
One witness said children ran for cover and school staff moved learners to safety. The Western Cape Education Department confirmed that counsellors have been dispatched to the school to support pupils and staff.
In a Facebook tribute post, a person close to the victims wrote, ‘Zainab and Gouwa didn’t die over a custody fight. They died because Zainab stood up and fought to protect her little nephews who were being abused.’
‘She went to court, she spoke the truth and she became a target for a man who cared more about his shame than his children. For days, he waited outside Portlands Primary. Not for peace. For revenge.‘
Provincial police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers arrested the suspect shortly after the incident and charged him with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Detectives continue to investigate the motive, with some reports suggesting a family dispute over visitation rights.
The family has asked for privacy while they grieve.
Meanwhile, court documents and statements from police and the school will determine the next steps in the criminal case.
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Picture: Akeefah Segers / Facebook
