RIP: Slain GBV victim Nokuphila Mbhele to be laid to rest amid rising gender-based violence in KZN

The tragic and senseless killing of 29-year-old Nokuphila Mbhele, a victim of gender-based violence (GBV), has once again cast a dark shadow over communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Mbhele’s funeral will take place on Saturday in her hometown of Umzumbe, on the south coast of KZN.

Her murder, allegedly at the hands of her intimate partner, has left the nation grieving yet another young life lost to the ongoing crisis of GBV in South Africa.

A Tragic Death in Mandawe

Mbhele’s lifeless body was discovered last Sunday, locked inside a rented room in the Mandawe area. She had been shot multiple times, and initial police reports suggest that the shooter was her lover, who believed she had been unfaithful. After the brutal attack, he reportedly turned the gun on himself in a failed suicide attempt. He is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard.

Nokuphila Mbhele

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, but the police confirmed that charges would be pursued once he recovers.

A Pattern of Violence

Shockingly, Mbhele’s murder wasn’t the only incident of GBV in KZN on that day. Another woman, Nandipha Lifana, was also allegedly shot and killed by her partner. These back-to-back incidents have intensified the national outcry, with many questioning how long women must live in fear and die at the hands of those who claim to love them.

These cases have ignited conversations about the failure of preventative measures, the need for more comprehensive support for victims, and stronger enforcement of laws meant to protect women and children.

Provincial Leadership Responds

In the wake of the tragedies, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited both families on Monday to offer condolences and express the government’s commitment to fighting GBV. Speaking to reporters after meeting with the grieving relatives, Ntuli acknowledged the urgent need for more robust and effective interventions.

“I realise that we still have a huge problem, and we need to do more to ensure that everyone responds quite positively to the problem,” he said.

Ntuli has committed to attending Mbhele’s funeral on Saturday, both as a show of solidarity and as a call to action against the scourge of gender-based violence in the province.

Communities in Mourning and Outrage

The death of Mbhele has devastated her community in Umzumbe. Family, friends, and neighbors have described her as a kind-hearted and ambitious young woman who had a bright future ahead of her. Her sudden and violent death has left many grappling with grief and frustration over the ongoing pattern of intimate partner violence.

Community members are expected to gather in large numbers to pay their final respects on Saturday. Local activists and women’s rights groups have also pledged to use her funeral as a platform to raise awareness, with some planning to hold a vigil and silent protest during the proceedings.

The Broader Crisis of GBV in South Africa

South Africa continues to battle alarming levels of gender-based violence, often referred to as the “second pandemic.” The killings of Mbhele and Lifana highlight the urgent need for systemic change, from better law enforcement to education, economic empowerment, and mental health support for both victims and perpetrators.

While government and civil society organizations continue to develop and promote strategies aimed at curbing GBV, the rising death toll suggests that these efforts are not enough. More funding, community engagement, and grassroots-level programs are needed to truly address the underlying causes and break the cycle of abuse.

A Call for Justice and Change

As Nokuphila Mbhele is laid to rest, her story joins the tragic list of countless women who have been killed by those closest to them. Her death is a sobering reminder that for many South African women, home is not a safe place.

While the wheels of justice begin to turn, her family and community are left to mourn — and to demand that her death, like so many before it, not be in vain. The nation watches, waits, and hopes for justice — and above all, for lasting change.