By Khanyisile Mbambo
The Muslim community and religious leaders are reeling in shock following the brutal murder of well known, Mohammed Suleman Dalla of Westham, Phoenix, who was fatally shot in his car in Richmond Farm on Wednesday, 13 July.
Dalla sustained two bullet wounds and died on the scene while his father who was in the car with him, was severely injured after the vehicle lost control, capsized and damaged a nearby house. Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Moulana Tariq Mohamed of the Aleemia Mosque in Unit 13 Phoenix and the family spokesperson, said that Dalla’s death has left his entire family shattered.
He said: “The family is traumatised and still cannot come to terms with Mohammed’s untimely death. We don’t know if the shooting was a case of mistaken identity because the Mohammed that we knew wouldn’t harm a fly. The family is desperately seeking for answers surrounding his death and we are hoping that the police will find his killer and that justice will be served so the family can find closure. While we mourn Mohammed’s passing, we are also praying for the full recovery of his father who is in and out of hospital following the tragic incident.”
Moulana Mohamed described Dalla as a humble and good man who was deep rooted in the Islamic religion. “Mohammed excelled at memorising and reciting the Quran. His death is a huge loss, not only to his immediate family and friends but to the Aleemia Mosque as well. He respected the entire community and was known as a man with a golden heart. He was the heart of his family and even though he had no children of his own, he took pride in caring and providing for everyone around him. He will be dearly missed by many,” said Moulana Mohamed.
Ntuzuma SAPS confirmed the incident and stated: “The deceased was driving a silver grey Toyota Corolla, along Khangela Road when he and his father, who was in the vehicle with him, were jammed by a white Toyota Etios. An unknown African male exited the Etios with a rifle and fired two shots at the deceased before driving off. The deceased’s car lost control and capsized on the side of the road landing and damaging the roof of a nearby house in Richmond Farm. No one was in the house when this happened.”
“The deceased’s father was taken to the clinic for medical attention as he sustained injuries as a result of the vehicle capsizing with him inside. The deceased was certified dead on the scene. He had sustained two gunshot wounds on the left side of his chest. The scene was searched for exhibits and none were found. The suspect and the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. Informers were tasked to assist with information. The vehicle was towed to the station for safekeeping,” added SAPS Ntuzuma.
In a touching tribute, Iqbal Gaffoor of Palmview, Phoenix said: “For the past several years that I’ve known Mohammed, I can attest to the fact that he was a good human being and was a man for the community. It is extremely sad that we have lost a kind and giving soul who always put the needs of others before his own. I will always remember him as ever willing to assist anyone who needed his help. I am really saddened by his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family during this trying time. May Allah grant him the highest abode in Jannah.”
Deputy of Aleemia Masjid, Moulana Muhammed Irshaad said: “Mohamed Suleman Dalla was always ready to get involved in the upliftment of our Masjid and its community projects. The respected deceased played a vital role especially in the blessed month of Ramadaan by reciting the Holy and glorious Quran to us in our prayers. He will definitely be cherished and remembered in all that we do. We express our deep condolences to his beloved family and to the community at large that will feel the absence of this great personality.”
Dalla is survived by his father, sister and wife. He was laid to rest at the Woodview Cemetery on Thursday, 14 July.
