Award-winning South African investigative journalist Nabeelah Shaikh, who worked with 24-hour television news channel eNCA, has died at the age of 34 alongside her unborn child.
Shaikh, who was seven months pregnant, died on Saturday following a short illness.
The Board and Management of eMedia Holdings, the parent company of eNCA, announced her death in a statement on Sunday, confirming that she and her unborn child had been laid to rest.
According to the statement, Shaikh had recently been selected to join the television station’s newly established investigations unit before her death.
The company described her as a fearless and outspoken journalist who was never afraid to visit challenging locations or ask difficult questions in the course of her work.
It also noted that she was highly regarded by colleagues and had received several awards in recognition of her outstanding contributions to journalism.
Beyond her professional achievements, the statement described Shaikh as a loving wife, daughter and devoted mother to her young daughter.
She was buried at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, leaving behind her husband, Waseem Ally, and their daughter, Maahira.
