Penal couple killed during home invasion

KEVON FELMINE

Senior Reporter

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A 19-year-old Penal woman awoke to a scene of horror  when she discovered that her parents had been murdered during a home invasion.

Police said gunmen broke into the home of Shaffeak and Babita Vialva at 3 am and demanded money. Before any valuables could be handed over, one of the intruders opened fire and killed both victims inside their house.

The gunmen fled in a black Mitsubishi Lancer, which officers later found abandoned along Rochard Road with signs that the attackers had tried to set it on fire.

Although the incident initially appeared to be a robbery, investigators said they could not confirm whether anything was stolen. Detectives are exploring all possible motives.

Neighbours told police they heard loud bangs and the sound of a car speeding off.

Babita Vialva, 41, was a housewife, while her husband, Shaffeak, 52, worked in forestry. Relatives and community members have been left traumatised, as officers from the Homicide Bureau continue their investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.