WATCH | Community holds vigil for murdered mother, daughter

Residents of Woodlands, in Pietermaritzburg, and surrounding areas gathered Friday evening to hold a vigil for Brooklyn Hemmero (15) and her mother, Christina “Nikki” Joseph (34), following their tragic deaths earlier this week. Community members, friends and family braved the inclement weather to pray and sing songs of prayer while also raising awareness about the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV). Brooklyn was strangled while Joseph was stabbed multiple times during an alleged attack at their Woodroffe flat.

Despite desperate efforts by family members and neighbours to save them, both were declared dead. The shocking incident has left the Woodlands community reeling, with many calling for stronger action to combat violence against women and children. The suspect in connection with the killings has since been transferred to a hospital in Durban for further medical treatment.

uMgungundlovu District police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala said the suspect remains under police guard. Police and multiple security companies were present to ensure the safety of residents at the night vigil.