Woman shot dead for car and cellphone outside her home

METRORAIL security guard Akhona Siduka was sitting in her car when she was shot and killed in front of her home.

Her death came during the 16 Days of Activism against violence towards women and children campaign. Police spokeswoman Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said Siduka, 37, from Langa was killed in front of her house.

“According to information the victim was inside the vehicle outside her residence when armed suspects shot and killed her. The suspects fled the scene with the Polo and a cellphone.”

She said the motive for the murder was robbery and a case of murder is being investigated.

The killers were still at large.

As news broke about her death, some of her friends and family took to social media to express their sorrow.

Sibongokuhle Lhuw Tsana wrote on Facebook: “May your beautiful soul RIP. Will always be remembered.”

Ashlyn Tatum Rix also wrote on Facebook: “RIP my dear friend. Gone too soon.”

MEC for Community Safety Dan Plato said more needs to be done to break the silence of violence against women and children in homes and on the street.

“I am saddened to hear about the death of Ms Siduka. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”

He said cases like these indicate that there were still too many incidents of violence perpetrated against women and children in the country.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe – from abuse, violence and crime.

“Everyone deserves to want to get the best out of life – opportunities, development and success. “Women deserve these equally as anyone else does and our children even more so.”

He sad more needed to be done to break the “hold that evil still has in our homes, running our streets and owning our communities”.

“I urge community members to assist the police in their investigation with the necessary information, by speaking out against this crime, which would see the perpetrators of this crime face the full might of he law.

“We have to break the silence. Speak out from silence to strength.”

Shaheema Mcleod, director of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children, said there was a definite need for more education and awareness around violence towards women and children. “We can’t be silent.” Violence against women and children needed to be stopped and it needs to start by educating the younger generation – this would break the cycle of violence, she explained.

Steve Harris, general secretary of the United National Transport, offered his condolences.

“Akhona was a vulnerable woman arriving home after risking her life at work to protect employees of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and commuters.

“The senseless violence and attacks on defenceless women in our beautiful country must stop.”

He said Siduka would always be remembered for her friendly smile.

Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation is requested to contact Lieutenant-colonel Louw on 082 469 2582 or Langa SAPS on 021 695 800.