By Julia Moyo. Picture supplied
A young KwaZulu-Natal pharmacist who had recently opened a pharmacy aimed at improving healthcare access in her community has been shot dead alongside two employees in what police have described as a shocking ambush in KwaNyuswa near Hillcrest.
Nomzila Madinane, a pharmacist and owner of Nomuzi Pharmacy, was killed on Tuesday when unknown gunmen allegedly stormed into the pharmacy and opened fire. A female cashier was also killed at the scene, while a security guard later died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Inchanga police have opened three murder cases following the incident. “The victims were at a pharmacy when they were ambushed by unknown people who opened fire on them. The females were fatally shot while the security guard sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The motive is unknown,” said Netshiunda.
According to preliminary police reports, the shooting happened at around 13:55 on Zulu Reserve Road in KwaNyuswa. Police said three armed suspects allegedly entered the pharmacy and immediately opened fire before fleeing the scene. No arrests have yet been made.
Madinane had reportedly opened Nomuzi Pharmacy less than a week before the attack, with the aim of bringing healthcare and medication closer to residents in KwaNyuswa, where many community members travel long distances to access pharmacies and medical services.
Her death has sparked outrage and grief across social media, with many describing her as a young professional dedicated to serving her community. In a tribute shared online, Imelda Okemo described Madinane as someone who had endured years of sacrifice to complete her pharmacy studies.
“Nomzila was a young woman who spent years in university studying pharmacy. A course that entailed long nights, exhausting exams, practical training, financial pressure and personal sacrifice,” Okemo wrote.
A picture of Nomzila Madinan the pharmacist and owner of Nomuzi Pharmacy. Picture supplied
“She did not choose an easy path. She chose a path of service to her people. She became someone who would help her community access medication, relieve pain and restore hope.” Community members in KwaNyuswa said the opening of the pharmacy had brought hope to elderly residents and vulnerable families who often struggle with transport costs to nearby towns for healthcare services.
The killings have also renewed concerns over violent crime in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in communities around Hillcrest and the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Earlier this year, police confirmed that suspects linked to several murders in the Hillcrest area were killed in a shootout with officers in KwaNgcolosi.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
