Nelson Mandela Bay police are investigating a double murder after two sisters were shot dead in their beds during the early hours of Sunday.
Theresa Pullen, 32, and her older sister Fredericka Booysen, 46, were murdered in cold blood after gunmen kicked down the front door of their home in Tyriville, Kariega, and stormed into the bedroom.
A close friend who was with them at the time was also shot and is in a critical condition in hospital.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said, according to preliminary reports, the incident took place at about 2.40am.
“Kamesh police responded to a shooting complaint at a residence in Pompano Crescent, Tiryville, Kariega.
“Upon arrival, members were informed that unknown suspects had forcibly kicked open the front door of the house.
“The suspects proceeded to a bedroom where three female occupants were present and opened fire.”
She said police were investigating a double murder and attempted murder.
“The motive for the murder and attempted murder is unclear at this stage, however a police investigation is under way.”
Speaking to The Herald on Monday morning, their devastated sister, Janine Pullen, said she was still coming to terms with what had happened.
She said her sisters had lived with her.
“The children were with them,” she said.
“They screamed and cried.
“I wasn’t there at that moment, but that’s what we were told.”
The sisters were described as gentle, close-knit and loving.
“We never thought something like this could happen to us.
“Just last month we buried our mother — and now this,” she said.
“The three of us were so close.
“I still can’t believe they were taken from me this way.”
The gunmen shot both women in the head.
“It was barbaric.
“I had to go to identify them,” she said through tears.
“Their faces were ruined.
“I could only tell it was them by the clothes they had on. It was awful to see.
“My eldest sister was still lying on the bed.
“The youngest was on the floor. It was so cruel.”
She said Booysen was a mother of two — her younger daughter just 12, and her eldest 22.
She said Theresa left behind two boys.
Brother-in-law George Peters said the family was shattered.
“I cleaned the room yesterday [Sunday].
“There was blood everywhere,” he said.
“I’m trying to stay strong for my wife and the rest of the family.
“We’re living in fear now.”
The Herald
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