KZN Social Development MEC mourns loss of HR staff member allegedly killed by her husband

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga has offered her condolences after a department official was allegedly shot dead by her husband in Pietermaritzburg at the weekend.

In a statement, the department said that Shinga was deeply saddened by the death of Siphokazi Sithole (Nomvalo), a Human Resource Practitioner: Service Conditions, based at the Department’s head office.

“The department has learned with deep shock of this tragic incident that occurred in Bizili, KwaPata, Pietermaritzburg, over the weekend, in which Mrs Sithole was allegedly shot and killed by her spouse, who subsequently took his own life.

“At this stage, the matter remains under investigation, and details are still limited. The department will communicate verified information as it becomes available through the relevant authorities.”

The department added that MEC Shinga strongly condemned the alleged act of Gender-Based Violence, which continues to rob families, communities, and the nation of lives—particularly those of women.

“The loss of Mrs Sithole is not only a loss to her family but to the Department and the broader public service. We cannot normalise violence within intimate relationships. We must continue to speak out, intervene early, and support victims before lives are lost,” said MEC Shinga.

The MEC conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Sithole family, friends, and colleagues.

The incident comes as another alleged GBV case was reported on Monday in Inanda. In that incident it was reported that a man had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend during an argument.

The woman suffered severe injuries and was declared deceased at the scene according to private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY