A family in Lawley, Johannesburg, is reeling from heartbreak after the tragic loss of 50-year-old Letta Ndlovu, who was brutally shot and killed by her long-term boyfriend. The devastating incident took place on the night of 29 June, when Letta was returning home after spending time with her friends.
According to close sources, Letta had just arrived at her residence and was closing the gate when her boyfriend of eight years, Ayanda, approached her and pulled the trigger, ending her life instantly. The attack left her two sons motherless and her family shattered.
Those who knew the couple revealed that Ayanda had a deeply troubled and violent history. Prior to this tragedy, he was already wanted by police in connection with an attempted murder case following a tavern shooting earlier in June. Despite this, Letta had remained in the relationship but was reportedly trying to leave and start a peaceful life away from him.Police recruitment drives
“She was done with him,” said a source close to the family. “She wanted peace and freedom, but he wouldn’t let her go.”
Letta had apparently been making efforts to separate herself from Ayanda and move on from the abusive relationship, but her cries for help went unheard. Her family believes more could have been done to protect her before it was too late.
Her heartbroken aunt spoke out, expressing both grief and anger. “Why didn’t he take his own life too?” she said through tears. “Now my sister’s children have no mother. She was everything to them — the provider, the strength of the household. He’s taken all of that away.”
Letta was not only a mother but also the breadwinner of her household. She had two sons who are now left to pick up the pieces of their lives without her love and support. Her death is yet another reminder of the horrifying reality many women face in abusive relationships — and the danger of ignoring red flags.
Following the murder, Ayanda handed himself over to the authorities. He has since abandoned his bail application and is expected to make another court appearance on 16 September. The Ndlovu family, along with their community, are calling for justice to be served swiftly and decisively.
The tragedy of Letta Ndlovu highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa, where countless women continue to suffer in silence or are not protected by the systems meant to keep them safe.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a powerful warning to others: when a partner starts displaying signs of violence or control, it is critical to take action early. Unfortunately, Letta tried to leave, but she didn’t get the protection and support she needed in time.
Letta’s family hopes that her death will not be in vain — and that it will push authorities and communities to do more to protect vulnerable women before it’s too late.
