It is alleged that a priest, identified as Moulana Mustaqeem Wanza of Salaamudien Masjid in Lentegeur, was found dead in Candy Tuff Street last night, Wednesday, February 18.
Lentegeur police responded to a shooting incident, where officers found a man lying in the street with a blanket covering him, said Constable Navon Van Houten.
The victim is believed to be a priest at the local mosque and was reportedly leaving the mosque when the incident occurred. Police responded to the scene at 10.55pm, he said.
Michael Jacobs, chairperson of the Lentegeur Community Police Forum, said, “We condemn the killing of Moulana Mustaqeem Wanza. This is totally unacceptable.”
He called on the community to assist the police, saying, “We urge the community to volunteer any information that could help identify those responsible for this heinous act.”
“We call on the police to do everything in their power to get to the bottom of this killing. Moulana Wanza was a leader in our community and a role model in the faith. The perpetrators must be brought to book, and justice must be served,” he said.
Acting imam for Ramadan, Ustadh Muhsin Ahmad Sulaiman, said Salaamudien Masjid in Lentegeur was in complete shock upon learning of the death of Moulana Wanza.
The mosque extended its condolences to his family and the broader community.
He said they could not comment further in their statement because they had no additional information, and urged the community to refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information.
He also called on the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation.
The motive for the incident is under investigation. For further information, contact the detective on 072 862 0185.