Daily Sun (October 24 2013) - EIGHT times the three hitmen tried to kill Nomvula Magagula. And eight times they backed off. Then last Saturday they tried again. AND COMPLETELY BUNGLED IT!

• First the gun they pointed at her jammed.
• Then one brought a knife from the kitchen - but he broke down in tears and couldn't use it on Nomvula.
• Finally they made her "play dead" for a photo and loaded her Toyota Hilux with cellphones, a laptop and cash.
• But they crashed it trying to get out of the garage!

Nomvula, a 47-year-old businesswoman from Kamhlushwa, near Malelane in Mpumalanga, told Daily Sun the gang sneaked into her house and she woke up with a gun to her head.

Said Nomvula: "The men told me they had been tailing me since 8 August. They even had my house keys.

"They said they had been paid R20 000 to kill me but after eight opportunities their consciences still got the better of them.

"At one time they stood over me with a gun as I slept," said Nomvula. "They said they realised that I was a good woman."

When even the most recent attempt failed, the gang tied Nomvula up with ropes and gags and took pictures.

"Instead of killing me, they suggested that we fake my death to satisfy my enemy," said Nomvula. "This person is known to me, and wants to get his hands on my money and estate.

"But I believe he is still waiting for my body to be discovered," she laughed.

"I gave the hitmen my laptop, cellphone and cash as a sign of gratitude," she added.

The mother of four has now abandoned her house and is living in hiding.

She says her energies will be devoted to busting the man who hired the thugs.

Police spokesman Sergeant Gerald Sedibe confirmed that three unknown men gained entry to Nomvula's house and held her and her kids at gunpoint.

"We understand they demanded money from her, and then tried to flee in her Toyota Hilux, which they abandoned after crashing it in the garage," he said.

"The woman also gave a statement that the hitmen were sent to kill her by a man known to her.

"We will also be investigating it," he said.

See the Daily Sun mobi site for more on this and other stories....

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