Mother shot and injured at home

A PHOENIX mother is grateful to be alive after gunmen opened fire on her outside her home.

Cecillia Manickam, 35, was struck by three bullets in her legs and back while sitting outside her home in Brookdale on Thursday last week.

“I managed to run into my house and lock the door, but the three gunmen continued firing. They broke the kitchen door and tried to come inside but couldn’t. They didn’t say anything or steal anything. They were just shooting and ran off when neighbours came out.

“Initially I didn’t feel the pain of being shot. It all happened so fast that I didn’t know what I was feeling at the time. I am just grateful to be alive. There were 16 bullets found in the yard,” she said.

She said she was thankful to be alive and that no one else was injured.

“My son was outside and my niece and nephew were inside the house. They were all just shocked and scared when it happened.

“This area is not safe anymore. Despite having boom gates for access control this unknown vehicle was still allowed to enter my road and leave. You are not safe in your own home,” she said.

After the shooting a Facebook user said: “This was premeditated, it was a hit due to those residents dealing in drugs and other serious crimes. Brookdale has gone to the dogs, sad but true. There is too much violent crime and drugs in this area.”

When asked about the comments on social media of people claiming the shooting was a hit because of drugs, Manickam said it was a false accusation.

“People who know us know it’s not true,” said Manickam.

She said she would like to know why she was targeted.

Lieutenant-colonel Nqobile Gwala, police spokesperson, said the motive for the attack was unknown and that a case of attempted murder was opened at the Phoenix police station.