Durban, KZN — What began as a desperate search for a missing mother of two has ended in tragedy. The lifeless body of ZamaNguni Gumede, 33, was discovered in a flat in Durban Central’s Field Street and later confirmed to be at Phoenix Mortuary, according to her grieving sister, who spoke to KZN Daily on Thursday evening.

ZamaNguni had gone missing on Sunday, 15 June, shortly after returning home from church in Georgedale, Hammarsdale. Family members said she received a mysterious phone call, left home, saying she was going to meet someone, and never returned.

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“Her two children have been waiting for her to come back. They’ll never see their mother again,” said her devastated relative.

She leaves behind a 12-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. The father of the children passed away last year, making this loss even more unbearable for the Gumede family.

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Murder or Negligence? Family Questions SAPS’ Failure

The family had earlier raised serious concerns over the handling of the case by the Mpumalanga Township Police Station (Magaba). Despite reporting her missing on 22 June, they were not given a case number, and said officers were dismissive.

“An officer literally told them to go look for their sister themselves,” a neighbour said. “They didn’t trace her phone records, check bank activity, or show any urgency.”

The Inchanga detective who later tried to help was reportedly shocked that the family was still without a case number or follow-up — more than a week after ZamaNguni went missing.

Now that her body has been found, the family is demanding a full investigation — not just into her death, but into the alleged inaction that may have cost them precious time.

What We Know So Far:

• Last seen: Sunday, 15 June 2025, Georgedale, Hammarsdale
• Final location: Found dead in a flat, Durban Central, Field Street
• Body discovered: Confirmed at Phoenix Mortuary, 25 July 2025
• Children left behind: Two — ages 12 and 5

Why This Matters — and How You Can Stay Safe

ZamaNguni’s death has shaken her community — but it’s also a grim reminder of how many vulnerable women go missing in South Africa and never return.

Here are 5 important safety tips every South African woman (and man) should know:

1. Always inform someone if you’re going to meet someone, even briefly.
2. Share your location with a trusted friend using WhatsApp or Google Maps.
3. Don’t go alone if the person you’re meeting is someone you don’t know well.
4. Keep digital records of phone calls and messages before meeting anyone new.
5. Insist on a case number immediately if a loved one goes missing. Don’t let police dismiss you — ask to speak to a senior officer or go to another station.

“Zama’s story should never be forgotten. We must demand better for the next family who calls for help,” said a local community leader in Hammarsdale.

Rest in Peace, ZamaNguni

As the community mourns, her family is pleading for support, answers, and justice.

If you know anything about what happened to ZamaNguni Gumede, please contact local authorities or reach out to Pajoni News.

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