Trevor Noah recently opened up about a traumatic moment that changed his life forever—the day his mother was shot in the head.
The South African comedian shared these painful memories during an interview, offering a window into his complex upbringing and the lasting impact of the violence he witnessed.
Growing Up in Soweto: The Struggles of a Mixed-Race Child
Trevor Noah was born to an interracial couple in South Africa during the apartheid era, which made his very existence illegal.
His mother, Patricia, is Xhosa, while his father, Robert Noah, is a white man from Switzerland.
This unusual family dynamic, coupled with the harsh realities of apartheid, shaped much of Trevor’s childhood, growing up in Soweto.
He also witnessed the horrors of gender-based violence (GBV) firsthand within his own home.
After his parents separated, Patricia married Abel Shingange, a man who would become an abusive figure in their lives.
Despite the domestic abuse, Trevor’s mother fought to protect her children and eventually left Abel.
The Tragic Day: When Violence Struck
In 2009, Patricia became engaged to a new partner, Sifiso Khoza.
But Abel, fueled by jealousy, tracked her down and, in a fit of rage, shot her in the head in front of her fiancé.
Recalling that moment, Trevor said he received a devastating phone call from his younger brother, who told him the terrible news.
He immediately knew who was behind the attack.
Miraculously, Patricia survived despite the bullet shattering her jaw and piercing her skull.
“The doctor said it was a miracle,” Trevor revealed in his interview.
The Aftermath: Fleeing Death Threats
Abel’s violent actions didn’t end with the shooting.
According to Trevor’s late grandmother, Abel had intended to kill Trevor as well. Following the shooting, Trevor received death threats and fled to the United States to protect himself.
Despite the gravity of the crime, Abel received just three years of correctional services for attempted murder, which was labeled a “crime of passion.”
Trevor expressed frustration at the justice system’s failure, noting how many women in South Africa and around the world continue to suffer because of similar shortcomings.
Ongoing Trauma: Trevor’s Journey with Therapy
The scars from witnessing the abuse have not healed.
Trevor shared that growing up with domestic violence left him with deep emotional wounds, including feelings of rage and hypersensitivity in social situations.
He continues to work through these issues in therapy, admitting that the trauma still affects him today.
Trevor also acknowledged how the shooting forever altered his relationship with his mother.
“I never look at her the same way. Every time I see her, I’m grateful that she’s still alive. Every hug feels like it could be the last,” he reflected.
What’s Next for Trevor?
While Trevor Noah has found success and built a thriving career, the emotional pain of his past is something he continues to navigate.
As he moves forward, Trevor’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of domestic violence and the resilience it takes to overcome such challenges.