Nomzila Madinane opened her pharmacy last week.
Image: Photo: Facebook
Police in KZN have not yet found a motive for the murders of Nomzila Madinane, a female cashier, and a security guard after unknown gunmen opened fire on them at Madinane’s newly-opened pharmacy in KwaNyuswa.
Madinane, a pharmacist, and the cashier were killed instantly after the shooting on Tuesday.
“The security guard, who sustained a single gunshot wound, was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries,” said KZN police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda.
He said Inchanga police were investigating three cases of murder.
“The victims were at a pharmacy when they were ambushed by unknown people who opened fire on them. The females were fatally shot while the security guard sustained a gunshot wound but survived. He was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motive is unknown,” Netshiunda said.
Residents of KwaNyuswa, near Hillcrest, were devastated by Madinane's death.
She had chosen to open her pharmacy there because residents struggled to access medication, according to reports on social media crime groups.
Madinane reportedly opened Nomuzi Pharmacy last week with the aim of helping local residents gain easier access to medication and healthcare services without having to travel long distances into town.
Imelda Okemo posted a tribute on Facebook: “Nomzila was a young woman who spent years in university studying pharmacy. A course that entailed long nights, exhausting exams, practical training, financial pressure and personal sacrifice.
"The kind of journey most people never fully see, but many endure in silence because they believe in a future worth the struggle. She did not choose an easy path. She went for a path of service to her people. She became someone who would help her community access medication, relieve pain and restore hope. After years of hard work, she finally achieved it.
“She opened her own pharmacy in KwaNyuswa near Hillcrest last week. Less than seven days after opening her doors, armed men allegedly stormed into her pharmacy on Tuesday. Within seconds, the place was turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Their deaths have since sparked outrage in the community.”
Okemo said they were tired of gun violence.