I’m shocked that a peaceful city can be site of deadly attacks — Mum of victim

GEORGE TOWN: The mother of Rahimi Ahmad, one of the victims injured during a mosque shooting in New Zealand, expressed shock that a peaceful place like Christchurch could be the site of deadly attacks with multiple fatalities.

“I visited my son in Christchurch last year and thought of it as a city that was safe with friendly people,” said Rokiah Mohamad, 65.

She said she was horrified to learn of the incident from the local TV news at 11am yesterday.

A gunman shot dead 49 people and wounded more than 40 others at two Christchurch mosques earlier yesterday.

Rokiah said Bayan Lepas assemblyman, Azrul Mahathir Aziz had visited her at her house in Bayan Lepas to inform her that her son was injured in the shooting at Al-Noor Mosque after it was confirmed by Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Marzuki Yahya.

Azrul Mahathir also informed her that her son had been shot in the ribs and was undergoing surgery to have the bullet removed.

However, his 11-year- old son Ahmad Razif was safe.

“I am worried and pray that Rahimi will recover quickly,” said Rokiah, adding that her son who worked in a milk factory had settled in the country four years ago.

She said Rahim, the third of five siblings, had last spoken to his younger sister, Nor Nadiah Ahmad.

Rahimi is married to Nor Azila Abdul Wahid and they have two children, Ahmad Razif and Nur Faiqah, 7. — Bernama