Winnie Tshili is currently fighting for her life in a Tshwane hospital after being shot in the abdomen by her boyfriend on 5 May in Zithobeni, Tshwane. The incident has brought to light a long history of abuse suffered by the 27-year-old at the hands of her partner.
Her sister, Eunice Tshili (32), revealed that this was not the first time Winnie had been seriously injured by her lover. "He stabbed my sister with a bottle on the face and head around 2018. Around 2022, he burnt her shack, thinking she was inside. In 2023, he stabbed her again, and she survived and in March he stabbed her seven times all over the body. Now in May, he shot her," said Eunice, detailing a harrowing pattern of abuse.
Despite the severity of the attacks, Eunice remains hopeful for her sister's recovery. "My sister is strong. She should have been long dead. She's a fighter and it’s not her time to die despite the man wanting her dead."
Eunice said Winnie has been hospitalised for over two weeks following the shooting. She also revealed that Winnie had taken legal steps to protect herself from her abuser. "She had a protection order against him. My sister had gone through a terrible abusive relationship."
The shooting incident occurred in May, with the boyfriend allegedly attacking Winnie on her way to work. Eunice alleged that the boyfriend threatened to shoot her sister before carrying out the act. "He stripped her naked and shot her. This incident happened in the morning. They have been together for almost 10 years," said Eunice.
Beauty Mahano (37), a family friend, witnessed the aftermath of the attack and described the scene as "horrible." She said the boyfriend also pointed the gun at her when she tried to help Winnie. "Winnie came and asked me to remove the bullet from her. When I tried to help her, the boyfriend told me to leave her alone. She stripped her naked while still pointing the gun at Winnie," she said.
Beauty believes this is a clear case of gender-based abuse and that the boyfriend deserves a life sentence for his actions.
Tshwane District Police spokesman Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that a case has been opened and that the accused is in custody.
"A case of attempted murder was opened, and the accused was denied bail. He will appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Regional Court on 20 June 2025," said Captain van Dyk.
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