Mom who allegedly shot kids, self 'wouldn't harm a fly': friend

A year ago the Cape Town mom who allegedly shot all three of her sons and then herself, resigned from her job to devote her time to her sons.

"Her boys were her everything. She wanted to be there when they got home, to help with homework and take them to school," a close friend and employee at her former workplace said.

She was described as a social person who last year organised a party for her eldest's 21st birthday.

Her 14-year-old twins survived, with one in ICU and the other wounded.

The mother was able to resign and live off money left by her husband, who died from cancer two years ago. She also received a package from her job at Checkers.

Her friend said: "When she left, everything was fine and we kept in touch. And then from a couple of months ago I didn't hear from her and she was quiet. It was unusual because she always popped up on Whatsapp."

There is speculation she was under financial strain after investing in a Ponzi scheme.

A neighbour said there did not seem to be any issues at the family home.

Her friend said: "People can criticise her ... but she was a wonderful and giving person. She wouldn't harm a fly."