Mother’s Day turned into a nightmare for a Pietermaritzburg family who allegedly watched their daughter being shot by her husband on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele confirmed that Edenvale Hospital nurse Ntombizodwa Charlotte Dlamini‚ 42‚ was shot and killed at her family home in Richmond Crest at about 3pm on Sunday after an argument.

“The victim sustained two shot wounds in the chest and was certified dead at the scene. The suspect fled the scene and was later found in Richmond area with a gunshot wound on the chin. A case of murder was opened at Alexandra Road police station and an inquest was opened at Richmond police station for investigation.”

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for health Sibongiseni Dhlomo has described the incident as “barbaric” and “cruel”. In a statement‚ Dhlomo said it is alleged that Dlamini and her husband first got involved in an altercation on Saturday‚ which resulted in her being severely assaulted and injured.

Despite being injured she went to work on Sunday morning‚ but left work after being treated by a doctor. The mother of two boys aged eight and eleven went to her parents’ home‚ where her husband arrived later.

According to the statement‚ he demanded that she return to their home. When she refused and ran into one of the bedrooms and tried to lock herself inside‚ the enraged man followed her‚ shot at the door‚ kicked it down and then shot his wife in front of her mother‚ father and brother.

Dhlomo said: “This is too barbaric. It is cruel and insensitive. We mourn the loss of this professional. Working in the maternity unit requires a certain kind of human being with honourable qualities‚ such as understanding and a caring attitude‚ emotional and mental strength‚ patience and maturity. We are not surprised to hear from Sister Dlamini’s colleagues that she was a good nurse. This is a huge loss. It is painful. But we know that our loss cannot be equated to the sense of loss and pain that is being experienced by her family. We offer our deepest condolences.”