A horrifying and heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of Sweetwaters in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, as 29-year-old Ncamisile Zuma was found burned to death at the entrance of her family home. Her grieving relatives have demanded justice and called for the perpetrators to never find peace.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 31 March. Ncamisile had attended a traditional ceremony at a neighbor’s home on Sunday evening. According to her brother, Siphesihle Mhlongo, she returned home later that night in an intoxicated state, which he noted was not unusual.
“She came back drunk, went to her room, and took a nap,” Siphesihle recalled. “Around 11pm, she got up and left the house without saying a word to the children who share her room.”
The following morning, Siphesihle was alerted by a neighbor on their way to work. What he discovered would leave him traumatized. “They told me someone was on fire at our gate,” he said. “I rushed out and saw it was Ncamisile. She was still burning. I recognized her by her clothes and her leg.”
Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, it was too late. Ncamisile had already succumbed to her injuries. Her charred body lay near the family home, the motive and perpetrators still unknown.
The devastated family described Ncamisile as a vibrant and friendly individual who got along well with others. “She didn’t have enemies, and we are still trying to understand how something so evil could happen to her,” said Siphesihle.
“We are broken and in shock. Whoever did this must be brought to justice. I hope they are haunted by what they’ve done until the day they are arrested,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal police have opened a murder case. Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the case, stating: “Plessislaer police are investigating a murder after a 29-year-old woman was found burned to death by an unknown suspect at Sweetwaters. The victim had burns on her abdomen and lower body. The motive remains unknown.”
Ncamisile’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community, where residents are still reeling from the brutality of the crime. Her death is a painful reminder of the ongoing violence faced by women across South Africa.
She leaves behind a young daughter, just four years old, who will now grow up without her mother.
The family is pleading with anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward and help bring the culprits to justice. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life taken in such a cruel and senseless manner.