A Senseless Loss

The relative of a murdered Nelspruit woman tells DRUM their family are shattered after the mother of three was allegedly gunned down by her husband

- Duenna Mambana

It was a desperate plea. “Listen to my cry, Lord, I’m drowning in the rivers of tears,” Tebogo Matsane-Mabunda posted on social media.

Little did she know it would be her last cry for help.

Tebogo was shot multiple times on 14 May, allegedly by her husband at their Stonehenge home in Nelspruit following an argument.

She died at the scene while her estranged spouse, who then turned the gun on himself, was taken to hospital where he remains under police guard.

Those close to her have described Tebogo as a lover of life and a generous soul who always wanted to see others happy.

One of her relatives, Nomusa Kubayi*, tells DRUM the family are still reeling from her loss.

“It was only a few days after celebrating Mother’s Day that Tebogo’s children had their worlds turned upside down,” Nomusa says.

“A tragic loss of life at the hands of a husband who should [be] the pillar and first line of defence for the entire family. It is still difficult to comprehend the loss, especially as it was by the same man who claimed to love her and vowed to stand by her always.

“This will leave a very painful and unforgettable mark in the lives of those little ones. Their motherly love and protection is no more.”

She says the kids lost their No. 1 fan. “Who will cheer for them during sports days at school?”

Mpumalanga police spokes­ person Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the husband came home from work that day and asked Tebogo to come outside for a chat.