SA: Neighbours too scared to help as Xmas dinner turns into horror for Zim woman

By News24.com

SOUTH AFRICA: What was meant to be a celebratory New Year’s family dinner turned into a harrowing experience for Penelope “Penny” Chadambura, a 32-year-old Zimbabwean hair stylist living in Zweletemba, Worcester, Western Cape.

Screenshots circulating on social media depict a disturbing assault on Chadambura and her mother, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend, Luzuko Funani (37), also known as “Feleba,” a former head coach of the Worcester Spurs Football Club.

Chadambura said in an interview that her year-long relationship with Funani had been marked by persistent abuse.

In frustration, she alleges: “Luzuko always abused me. He knew I was coming out of an abusive relationship before, yet he chose to abuse me again. I could’t report the incidents to the police as he would lock me up, and he was always with me whenever I went out.

“My neighbours were scared of him; they wouldn’t do anything whenever I ran to them, he would drag me in front of them.”

The disturbing incident unfolded during a family dinner when a conversation about abuse took a troubling turn. Chadambura shared her own experiences, escalating tensions at the dinner table. In response, she decided to leave, with Funani allegedly following and assaulting her on the street, in full view of his own family.

Chadambura’s mother attempted to intervene and protect her daughter but tragically ended up being stabbed by him.

Expressing deep concern about the traumatic incident, Penny’s sister, Mercy Chadambura, stated: “This is very traumatic; my sister is not sound-minded.

“I see that she had already accepted death. I’m begging her that we go back home to Zimbabwe. I’m scared for my mom as well, as she will not leave without her child.”

Funani was arrested last Monday and is currently in custody at Robertson Prison. His court appearance is scheduled for 17 January.

Community members, appalled by the incident, have taken a united stand against Funani.

In response, they have drafted a petition to prohibit his bail application, emphasising their commitment to seeking justice for the victim. The petitions will be available at prominent locations such as Zweletemba Library, Paraffin Café, Multi-Purpose Centre, and Doctor Risiva.