British mother killed by relative cleaning a handgun in South Africa

A British mother-of-four was killed in a tragic accident while visiting family in South Africa on a fantasy vacation.

Fatima Issa, 47, and her daughter Humairah, 19, had traveled down to enjoy a week in the sun with relatives she hadn’t seen in years.

But, unfortunately, Issa, a school teacher at a Leicester College, died after a euphoric reunion while residing at the property in Johannesburg’s exclusive Meyersal View Estate.

He said that a relative was cleaning a pistol for protection in the crime-ridden city but had forgotten it was loaded.

According to South African media, while inspecting and cleaning the revolver, he accidently squeezed the trigger, and a nine millimetre bullet struck Fatima at point blank range.

The astonished male relative discovered Fatima’s corpse on the floor with a deadly gunshot wound that had coated her in blood.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and valiantly attempted to revive Fatima, but she died from her injuries.

Her brother Ebrahim Lambat announced her death on Facebook last night, writing, ‘Request duas for my sister Fatima Issa.’

‘She has returned to Allah’s compassion.’

A South African Police spokeswoman declined to comment since it was too early, but acknowledged that an inquiry is ongoing.

Her three other children were left at home in Leicester, Leicestershire, with her husband Fayaz, 47, a council worker.

Last night, husband Fayaz was about to go to Johannesburg with his son Huzaifah, 21, while police investigated what had transpired.

On Facebook, local sources in Leicester stated that family are planning to travel over to help upset spouse Fayaz.

Fatima’s colleagues at The City of Leicester College have expressed their “horror and grief” at her passing.

‘Everyone at the TCOLC is very surprised and grieved to learn about the untimely demise of our colleague and friend Fatima Issa,’ they said on Facebook.

‘We all wish her family strength and serenity at this difficult time.’

Johannesburg is South Africa’s crime capital, with most people residing in gated enclaves with guards and electric gates.

With 58 murders and 150 rapes every day in South Africa, as well as many armed robberies and vehicle hijackings, many locals have taken up arms.