Tsakani – A New Year’s Eve robbery turned tragic when 20-year-old Xabiso Kambi was shot and killed at the corner of Mbulu and Maduna streets while working at her mother’s liquor store.
Collen and Sibongile Kambi crying during the visit.
Xabiso was closing up for the night when four men allegedly ambushed her, attempting to steal a bag containing cash from the store’s takings.
Her father, Collen Kambi, said CCTV footage shows Xabiso leaving the liquor store with the intention of placing the money bag in the car before returning to lock up.
“This is when the men approached her. She tried to fight them off, but she was overpowered.“One suspect grabbed the bag and ran towards his getaway car while Xabiso was struggling with the suspect who remained behind,” he explained.
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Collen further explained that during the struggle, Xabiso pulled off the suspect’s hoodie and clearly saw his face.
“It seemed that because she could identify him, the suspect ended up shooting her,” he said.
The grieving father expressed deep sadness and frustration, adding that the family only heard from the police on January 5, when officers contacted them to request the CCTV footage.
Xabiso’s aunt, Sibongile Kambi, described her as a multi-talented individual who excelled in singing, dancing, and the performing arts.
She attended the National School of Arts, where she further developed her artistic talents.
“Xabiso was a very vibrant person. She was intelligent, brave, and fiercely protective of her space.
“She was a fighter by nature. I believe that fighting spirit is one reason things ended the way they did.
“When she felt challenged, she did not stop to question who she was fighting or why. She stood her ground and fought,” she said.
“Unfortunately, in that moment, she did not assess the danger of the situation, and that bravery cost her life. She was shot and killed just like that.”
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Sibongile mentioned that Xabiso loved working; she liked being busy and productive.
“At the time of her passing, she had just graduated and was working at a shop to keep herself occupied while she waited for better opportunities.
“That alone shows the kind of child she was: responsible, independent, and willing to work for her own income.
“She was also a singer and a dancer. That talent runs deep in our family,” she added.
Sibongile reflected on a fond moment, recalling a family funeral two years ago following the loss of her cousin.
@african_reporterThe father of 20-year-old Xabiso Kambi, who was shot and killed in Tsakane on New Year’s Eve during an armed robbery, spoke about the tragic events that led to her death during the Acting Mayor’s visit to the family home.
♬ original sound – user59583874756
“Even in that moment of grief, Xabiso forgot that we were at a funeral.
“She entertained everyone at the church hall and was given chance after chance to perform because people could not get enough of her.
“She loved showcasing her talent and sharing joy with others,” Sibongile said.
“Xabiso was going to be an independent woman.
“She was going to be a leader, a fighter, someone who stood up not only for herself but for others facing challenges.”
Acting City of Ekurhuleni mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi visited the family on January 5 to sympathise with them and offered words of encouragement.
Collen Kambi, Jongizizwe Dlabathi and Sibongile Kambi.
He emphasised that such an incident must not go unattended.
“We are making a call that this matter should not be left solely in the hands of the police, but that we work collectively as members of the public to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. GBV, rape, and the killing of women are troubling issues within the country.
“Our view is that we should say enough is enough through collaboration and action so that justice is served,” said Dlabathi.
He expressed the view that Xabiso’s killers were lazy individuals who chose criminal activities to sustain their livelihoods.
Ekurhuleni SAPS district spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela confirmed that Tsakane police were called to the scene of an armed robbery and murder.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman’s body in a supine position on the ground,” said police.
“Upon inspection, the police members noticed that the deceased had been shot several times.”Sekgobela said it was alleged that the victim was trying to chase the suspects who had robbed her of an undisclosed amount of money.
“While still at the scene, family members arrived and positively identified the deceased,” she added.
All relevant role players attended the scene, and no arrests have been made yet.
@african_reporterCoE Acting Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi urged the community, government leadership and law enforcement agencies to work together to ensure that the suspects are brought to book and that justice is served for the Kambi family.♬ original sound – user59583874756
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