Wentworth community mourns: Tamia Fredericks (25) shot while pregnant

On Sunday, Tamia Fredericks, a 25-year-old woman from Wentworth, was tragically shot and killed while four months pregnant. The incident occurred on Wiest Road in the South Wentworth area. Police have been cautious in their statements regarding the murder investigation, with Captain Ntathu Ndlovu of the Wentworth Police stating that Fredericks was found with gunshot wounds on the road. According to a family member, Fredericks was visiting friends in Wentworth when the incident took place.

During a prayer meeting held at the Open Door Assembly Church in Newlands East on Wednesday night, Fredericks' mother, Jenny Fredericks, paid tribute to her daughter. She expressed her heartbreak, saying, "A mother should never have to know the pain of burying her child." The service was attended by a dozen of Fredericks' closest friends, who remembered her as a kind, outgoing, and unforgettable person. They recalled her laughter, smile, dancing abilities, and creative social media videos.

The Reverend Alex Hitzeroth and Apostle Shane Pillay both emphasized the impact Fredericks had on others. The Reverend Hitzeroth noted that a home hurt by loss affects the broader community, while Apostle Pillay described the situation as unfair. They both highlighted the impact Fredericks had on people's lives and the beautiful memories she left behind.

The Fredericks family is set to hold a funeral for Tamia and her unborn baby at the Open Door Assembly Church on Saturday. In response to the murder, eThekwini Ward 11 Councillor Allan Peterson canceled a planned Women's Day event for Saturday. Peterson, a father of two, expressed his frustration over the prevalence of gender-based violence and called for action to bring justice for the families affected by such crimes.

He urged community leaders to start making noise about the loss of lives and seek justice for the victims, ensuring that the perpetrators remain behind bars.