Why? That’s the question that continues to haunt Monica Velem who watched two men shoot her daughters in front of her in Kosovo.
Nonzwakazi Velem, 45, died in the shooting while her sister Pheliswa, 35, was wounded in the leg.
They were doing laundry outside their home on Saturday evening August 31 when the two men opened fire without saying a word, says Pheliswa.
She says she fell on top of her sister during the shooting, but the men were aiming at Nonzwakazi.
”I believe that I was caught up with a bullet that was meant for my sister since I was on top of her. I have no idea why she was shot. She did not fight with anyone and did have enemies that we know of.
“We are left traumatised and have not the slightest idea as to why she was shot. At the time, I didn’t see that I was injured until when the ambulance arrived. That is when they said I was also shot, and I realised that the bullet had pierced through my calf. Luckily it missed the bone.“
Monica Velem said it was baffling why anyone would want to harm her daughters. She had been inside the house at the time but had seen the two men approaching.
“At first, I thought they were just passing by the road and didn’t pay much attention because we always see young men walking around with guns.
“I was shocked when they turned and got into my yard and pointed their firearms in the air before shooting at my children. At least if they had said something during the shooting we could have known why she was killed. Even today we still don’t know why she was killed like a dog.”
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said that upon arrival in High Field Road at around 8.30pm, responding officers had found the body a 46-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Another female who also sustained injuries was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Samora Machel police were investigating a case of murder and attempted, he said.
“We appeal to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” he said.
