A PRESS STATEMENT

 

The incident which is under investigation by the Police in Tzaneen is cause for concern for a town which has had harmonious communal relations, for years.

 

On Friday evening, February 20th, assailants attacked a Muslim congregant as he was leaving a mosque, hurling at least a bottle whose contents have now been determined to be acid, according to news reports.

 

The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) condemns this attack suspected to be a potential hate crime, driven by Islamophobia.

 

JUSA would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the communities in Tzaneen not to allow their cherished relations of mutual respect to be lost by elements of moral depravity that attempt to dehumanise others, thereby rationalising indignity, violence and harm.

 

We echo the sentiments of the message of the congregants of Masjid us Salaam and Muslim community in Tzaneen who have called for restraint, and are expecting a speedy investigation into the matter, by apprehending and bringing any perpetrators to book, for the conduct and behaviour that should not be allowed to take root in South Africa.

 

Meanwhile, JUSA wishes the survivor of the attack speedy recovery, from the sustained injuries to his face and leg.

 

JUSA affirms the constitutional rights of protection, freedom and worship for every citizen and urges all communities to stand up against attacks on decency, civility and tolerance.

 

Released by:

 

The Executive Committee
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

 

08 Ramadan 1447 / 26 February 2026