02 September 2023 , 13:08
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A dying teen "clung to life" whilst lying in her own blood for several hours before she screamed her attackers' names and tragically died, her mum has revealed.
Verushka Nel, 19, was brutally shot in the head after she opened the door to her attackers at her flat in Gqeberha, South Africa, on August 17.
According to local media, the intruders opened fire multiple times and delivered a final kick to her stomach before stealing her phone and fleeing the scene.
Verushka was rushed to hospital after a neighbour finally found her lying helplessly in her blood. She is said to have named the men behind the crime as she fought for her life in hospital. She was hospitalised for five days before she fell into a coma and died on August 22.
Her mum Jackie told News24: "She couldn’t wait for me to get to her and she told me exactly who did this. She knew them. They did not care about her life at all."
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The 19-year-old sadly slipped into a coma
Verushka managed to speak to investigators before she diedIt reportedly took around 12 hours for Verushka to be found by her neighbour, according to Metro. During her final days, she is said to have repeatedly identified the men to her family and investigators. Her mum told IOL: "When she fell asleep she would scream and wake up calling their names. I was completely hysterical – everyone loved her. Who would have wanted to hurt her like this?"
Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu confirmed a murder investigation had been launched by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation department, suggesting that the assault could have been gang-related. “Fortunately, the young girl clung to life long enough to be discovered by a concerned neighbour who immediately contacted the authorities and the girl’s family," she said. “Suspects have not been arrested and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) is investigating a case of murder and house robbery.”
South Africa has previously been named as one of the most dangerous countries for females. In 2019, it was branded the world’s worst country for women solo travellers by the Women’s Danger Index. Local anti-gender-based violence organisation Women for Change addressed the tragedy on social media. "Fly high, Sister," they wrote. Others have paid tribute to Verushka on her Facebook page. One person wrote: "What happened to this beautiful young lady!?? God please protect our loved ones from the horror of all these murders! May she rest in eternal peace. Condolences to all her loved ones." Another commented: "Rest in peace beautiful lady."