Mother and her 19-year-old daughter shot d3ad in South Africa

A tragic double murder has rocked the community of Sakhasonke Village in Walmer Location, Gqeberha, after a South African mother and daughter were fatally shot in their home on 1 May 2025.

The victims have been identified as Lusanda Coboza, 40, and her 19-year-old daughter, Anelisa Hailie-Jade Coboza. The two were found with multiple gunshot wounds after police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Both were declared dead at the scene.

According to police, four male suspects, aged between 28 and 46, were arrested shortly after the incident. They face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Anelisa, affectionately known as Hailie-Jade, was a Grade 12 learner at Collegiate Girls’ High School in Gqeberha. Her promising future was cut short in the brutal attack, which has sparked renewed outrage over gender-based violence in South Africa.

The advocacy group Women for Change confirmed the deaths in a statement on Monday, 12 May 2025, and expressed deep sorrow over the continued violence against women and girls.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of such beautiful souls. Another mother and daughter were murdered. How many more must die before Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are declared a National Disaster?” the group said.

A funeral service for Lusanda and Anelisa was held on Saturday, 10 May in Soweto, where family, friends, and members of the public gathered to mourn their untimely loss.

The police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information is urged to come forward.