The wife of a Shallcross man who was allegedly shot nine times after opposing drug dealers says her family is now living in fear after receiving death threats they believe are linked to the attack.
The four suspects appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 June where the family intends opposing bail.
Speaking to the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid, Aakifa Kadir (22) said her husband, 43-year-old Muhammad Abdul Kadir, remains in a critical condition in hospital following the shooting in Alpine Drive, Shallcross, last Sunday. 31 May. The incident has been linked by residents to ongoing tensions over alleged drug dealing in the area.
According to Aakifa, she witnessed the attack and was also threatened at gunpoint. The mother of four said she and her husband were in the area packing to move out when the incident occurred at about 6pm.
“My husband and I were moving around Shallcross when I heard gunshots. They surrounded him and one of them pointed a gun at me. My children are in danger,” she said.
Aakifa said her husband sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his head, liver, legs, hand and eye, and remains under intensive medical care.
She claims the family’s ordeal did not end with the shooting.
“Please mention that our lives are in danger. These people are after our family now. If anything happens to us, it will definitely be related to the people who shot my husband,” she told the newspaper.
The mother said she fears for the safety of her children and other relatives as the case moves through the courts.
“We are asking the court to oppose bail because our lives and many other lives are in danger. These people are a danger in our community,” she said.
The shooting follows longstanding complaints by residents about alleged drug dealing in the area. Residents, who wished to remain anonymous, have previously claimed that Kadir was among others who had taken a stand against a suspected drug operation and had been involved in efforts to have it shut down.
Aakifa said the family’s focus remains on her husband’s recovery while also seeking justice.
“Our family is living in fear. We just want justice and for our children to be safe,” she said.
KZN police were yet to comment on the matter at the time of print.
