KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has expressed shock and dismay at death of Njabulo Ngcobo, who was shot dead by an intruder at his home in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, on Tuesday, 23 July 2013.
Police have confirmed that Njabulo Ngcobo, 15, was shot dead at his home in Pietermaritzburg yesterday. A case of murder has been opened and no arrest has been made. It is alleged that Njabulo, his 17-year-old sister Nontobeko and their mother, were asleep when the burglar alarm went off in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Their mother went to investigate what had triggered the alarm but she was confronted by an unknown man who had gained access through a sliding door. The mother then screamed for Njabulo, who came out of his bedroom to help her. But the armed intruder fired a shot at him.
According to Njabulo’s mother, he managed to stand and push the intruder out of the house. While trying to chase him the intruder fired a second shot at Njabulo and fled the scene. Njabulo later died in his mother’s arms on the floor.
MEC Mchunu yesterday expressed shock and dismay at this incident, saying it was barbaric for a young man who had dreams of becoming an engineer to have his life taken in this manner. “This incident has left me dismayed and angry as it indicates in no uncertain terms that criminals have no value for human life.Njabulo will always be remembered as a hero who had sacrificed his life to save his family. It is, however, saddening to lose a life of a promising young person who could have contributed positively in our society,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu urged members of the community to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of Njabulo’s killer. “We urge members of the community to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of this murderer. We further urge the community to be on the alert for criminal elements and report any criminal acts to the police. We need to work together to root out all criminal in our society,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu assured members of the community that the police would do everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrator of this nefarious deed. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young Njabulo.
