The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa is saddened at the news of murder of a man, identified as an Ethiopian national, which took place outside Mayfair Jumuah Mosque, on Hanover Road, in the evening of Tuesday, 22 January 2019.

 

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family of the deceased, his colleagues and associates in this moment of grief and anguish, as they mourn and seek answers to what has just happened.

 

A mosque, just like any other place of worship, is sacred and a sanctuary for all members of the community, as a place of retreat, in prayers and devotions. Together with its surroundings, it should be preserved as a protected zone that remains sanctified and safe for the community, at all times.

 

The heinous crime of this murder, to the level of brutality that has been reported, within the precincts of a place of worship, highlights the gravity of criminality, and level of violence that simmers within our communities and now threatens to spill-over into sacred spaces.

 

We urge relevant stakeholders and community leaders to come together to stem the tide of the alarming levels of violent crimes that are gripping our neighbourhoods.

 

It is our hope that the law enforcement agencies will conclusively investigate this incident and apprehend the perpetrators of this crime, who should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

 

It is important meanwhile that the media and commentators refrain from speculative statements that would erroneously prejudge the motive behind the murder, and, therefore, unnecessarily heighten uneasiness within the community.

 

Issued by:

E.I. Bham (Moulana)
Secretary General
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

23 January 2019