A family in Woodlands, Pietermaritzburg, is grieving after a 15-year-old girl and her mother were allegedly attacked at their Woodroffe Flat residence on Tuesday evening.
Details of the Incident
Brooklyn Hemmero, 15, was strangled and her mother, Christina ‘Nikki’ Joseph, 34, was stabbed multiple times. Family members rushed to the flat after hearing that Brooklyn was unresponsive and her mother had been stabbed.
Attempts to resuscitate Brooklyn at Northdale Hospital were unsuccessful. Christina Joseph died en route to the hospital after being found in a pool of blood by family and community members.
Cherryl Hemmero, Brooklyn’s paternal aunt, stated that the family has been unable to sleep since Tuesday night and is heartbroken by the loss. “We rushed to the flat to aid my niece, who we heard was unresponsive, and her mother had been stabbed,” she said. “We tried to get them help, but they passed on. We are shocked, we are in pain. We have lost two lives.”
A community member, speaking anonymously, reported seeing numerous ambulance and police vehicles at the flat and learning that two lives had been lost. “We haven’t slept,” they said. “We came from church and saw a whole lot of ambulance vehicles and SAPS members at the flat, and then we heard that two lives were taken.”
What Happens Next
Umgungundlovu District Saps Spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala confirmed that two cases of murder are being investigated. The suspect is currently in hospital under police guard. This proves likely to be a priority for law enforcement to gather evidence and prepare a case for prosecution. A trial could follow, depending on the evidence and legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Woodroffe Flat?
A 15-year-old girl, Brooklyn Hemmero, was allegedly strangled, and her mother, Christina ‘Nikki’ Joseph, 34, was allegedly stabbed multiple times.
Where were the victims taken?
Brooklyn Hemmero was taken to Northdale Hospital, and Christina Joseph died en route to the hospital.
What is the status of the suspect?
The suspect is in hospital under police guard, and two cases of murder are being investigated.
How do communities cope with such sudden and tragic losses?
Keep reading