The family of an oThongathi police officer who was allegedly shot dead by her boyfriend in Chesterville, Durban, last weekend says the suspect had a history of abusive, controlling and jealous behaviour.
Constable Nozipho Zondo, 35, was shot multiple times on Saturday in what police believe followed an altercation between the couple.
Her brother, Sabelo Nzama, said the incident occurred at the suspect’s home, where the couple had been arguing before gunshots rang out.
“When we arrived at the scene, we were told they had been arguing. The suspect’s sister said they heard the argument but did not think much of it until they heard several gunshots,” said Nzama.
He said investigators recovered nine spent cartridges at the scene, while Zondo sustained six gunshot wounds.
“She was mostly shot in the upper body. One bullet entered her face, another struck near her heart, while the others hit various parts of her torso. This clearly shows that his intention was to kill her,” he said.
Nzama said the firearm used in the shooting was Zondo’s service pistol.
He alleged that the fatal shooting followed a pattern of abuse.
According to Nzama, the suspect had recently travelled to Oakford in Ndwedwe, where the family originates, and became involved in another altercation with Zondo in front of the elderly woman who cares for her two children.
“On that day, he damaged the television set,” Nzama said.
He added that one of Zondo’s friends and colleagues had repeatedly warned her about the suspect’s behaviour, describing him as possessive, controlling and extremely jealous.
“He would go through her cellphone and phone anyone whose number was saved there to verify whether they were really who they claimed to be. If someone was listed as her uncle, he would call to establish whether that person was indeed her uncle,” said Nzama.
The colleague had warned Zondo that the suspect displayed dangerous tendencies and urged her to end the relationship. However, according to Nzama, Zondo believed his behaviour was simply a sign that he loved her.
Nzama said the suspect is not a police officer but works as a cash-in-transit security officer.
He said Zondo’s two children, a 10-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, are not the suspect’s children.
“The only thing we want is justice. We want him to remain behind bars and not be granted bail,” said Nzama.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Cato Manor police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following the shooting in Chesterville on July 25.
“It is reported that there was an altercation between a couple that escalated into a shooting. A police officer was found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to the body,” said Magwaza.
He said the suspect was also taken to hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound and that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
