Young Woman Killed in Daveyton Armed Robbery Sparks Outcry Over Rising Violent Crime
The brutal killing of 21-year-old Ntokozo Masilela Ngwenya during an armed robbery at a filling station in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, has left her family, friends, and the wider community devastated. The tragic incident, which occurred on 5 May 2025, has once again highlighted South Africa’s ongoing struggle with violent crime and the growing vulnerability of young women.
According to reports, Ntokozo was travelling as a passenger in an e-hailing vehicle when the robbery unfolded. A group of armed suspects allegedly approached the vehicle at the filling station and opened fire using an AK-47. It is believed that the driver attempted to flee the scene in a desperate bid to escape the attack, but the suspects continued shooting at the vehicle.
Both Ntokozo and the driver were struck by bullets during the gunfire. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was declared dead at the scene. Ntokozo, critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical personnel fought to save her life. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries, cutting short a young life filled with promise and potential.
At just 21 years old, Ntokozo had her whole future ahead of her. Her death has sent shockwaves through her community, with many struggling to come to terms with the senseless loss. Loved ones describe her as a vibrant young woman with dreams and ambitions, whose life was cruelly taken by an act of extreme violence.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Police investigations are ongoing, but the lack of immediate breakthroughs has fueled frustration and anger among community members. Many are questioning how such heavily armed criminals can operate so freely and violently in public spaces without swift accountability.
Ntokozo’s killing has reignited national conversations about crime, public safety, and the urgent need for stronger law enforcement measures. In particular, it has drawn attention to the disproportionate impact of violent crime on women, who continue to face heightened risks in everyday situations, including public transport and ride-hailing services.
Community leaders and activists have called on authorities to intensify efforts to combat armed robberies and illegal firearms, especially high-powered weapons such as AK-47s that are increasingly being used in criminal activities. There are also renewed calls for better protection for e-hailing drivers and passengers, who are frequently targeted by criminals.
Social media has been flooded with messages of grief and outrage, with many South Africans expressing heartbreak over yet another young life lost to violence. Hashtags calling for justice for Ntokozo and an end to violent crime have gained traction, reflecting a nation grappling with fear, anger, and sorrow.
As Ntokozo Masilela Ngwenya’s family mourns an unimaginable loss, her death stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of crime. It underscores the urgent need for decisive action to make communities safer and to ensure that no more families are left shattered by such senseless acts of violence.