Mother, Teenage Daughter Shot Dead

A tragic double murder has shaken the community of Sakhasonke Village, Walmer Location, in Gqeberha, South Africa. Lusanda Coboza, 40, and her 19-year-old daughter, Anelisa Hailie-Jade Coboza, were shot and killed in their home on 1 May 2025. The incident was confirmed by the advocacy group Women for Change in a statement released on Monday, 12 May.

According to police reports, officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered both victims with multiple gunshot wounds. They were declared dead at the scene. In the wake of the killings, four male suspects between the ages of 28 and 46 were arrested. Authorities are investigating charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Anelisa Hailie-Jade was a Grade 12 student at Collegiate Girls’ High School in Gqeberha. The funeral for the mother and daughter was held on Saturday, 10 May, in Soweto.

In a powerful statement, Women for Change expressed outrage and sorrow, saying, “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?”