Sonja Ritchie

Sonja Ritchie (1946 - 2018)

Sonja (72) a real estate agent, was shot after three males walked through an unlocked door of her home, in Padfield Road, Pinetown on 3rd April 2018. Her landlord, Farrel Wenezky, and his wife were in the main house watching television when they heard her screaming. He ran outside with his firearm, and when he saw the three armed assailants attacking Sonja, he shot at them.

One of the attackers was shot dead, another shot in the head and taken to hospital, and the third attacker, who was also injured managed to escaped in the getaway vehicle which was parked outside. Sonja was shot in the abdomen during the shoot-out. ER24 paramedics stabilised Sonja and was transported to hospital where passed away in hospital shortly after midnight.

Rescue Care paramedics, neighbourhood watch networks, Blue Security, Proforce Security, Fidelity ADT, the Durban Flying Squad, Metro K9 and Pinetown SAPS and other law enforcement teams responded.

Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios, said, "The injured suspect, who had been shot in the head, attempted to run away but Wenezky's daughter managed to stop him and family and neighbours handcuffed him and kept him at the scene until the police and first responders arrived. The third suspect managed to run away.”

Two firearms, a Z88 pistol with a filled off serial number and a CZ pistol belonging to the victim were recovered from the scene.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, said, “A 34-year-old man is under police guard in hospital while a 29-year-old was fatally shot. Another suspect was shot on the head and was taken to hospital. Pinetown police are investigating cases of house robbery murder and inquest.”

No further updates regarding court hearings can be found.

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