The killing of Richmond deputy mayor Thandazile Phoswa on Sunday night in KwaZulu-Natal brought traumatic memories of the deaths of her parents and siblings at the same spot 20 years ago.
Family spokesman Zachariah Phoswa said yesterday the deputy mayor's death was a grim reminder of the deaths of her father, Joseph Kennedy Phoswa, an ANC member, his wife MaMhkize and their two children in a massacre linked to political violence.
Between April 1997 and January 1999 about 120 people, including local councillors, were killed and Richmond became known as "the killing fields".
- KZN's Richmond killing fields still bleedingThe killing of Richmond deputy mayor Thandazile Phoswa on Sunday night in KwaZulu-Natal brought back traumatic memories of the deaths of her parents and siblings at the same spot 20 years ago.
"I feel so bad because it reminds the family and the community of the same thing that happened at this house."
He said he was told that his niece and her boyfriend had a "small argument" and then neighbours heard a gunshot.
The deputy mayor has two children - a 17-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter - neither of whom were at the house.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said a man was being questioned in connection with the murder.
He said police, including a forensic team, were at the scene.
Phoswa's bloodied car was outside the Richmond police station, hours after her body, in a blanket, was found in the back seat.
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