Hijackers target several Cape mosques
Muslims are being car-jacked in the southern suburbs
HIJACKERS targeted worshippers at several mosques in the southern suburbs. On Monday, three mosques were targeted. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) said criminals had been targeting those going and leaving mosque during the fast. MJC spokesperson Shuaib Appleby said police officers were searching for armed car-jackers, who hijacked a member of the neighbourhood watch at Waterloo Road mosque in Kenwyn.
“The neighbourhood watch member was coming from a mosque when two guys approached him at gunpoint, took his car, but did not harm him. All yards were searched, some police cars rushed off to neighbouring streets. The car was recovered, as they abandoned it nearby and one suspect was caught and arrested while two managed to escape. One of the hijackers was caught as he also tried to hijack a boeta coming out of York Road mosque.”
In another incident on the same night, hijackers tried to steal a vehicle at Taronga Road mosque, but were unsuccessful.
Appleby said hijacks of people going and leaving mosques during the fast would not be tolerated. “The news of hijackers targeting people coming and going to the mosque is shocking and alarming.
“This is the third time now. There is an escalation of criminals targeting the people (at) mosques and it is a concern.
“We hope it is not something that is planned. We urge people to show unity against the criminals targeting a peaceloving society. We are appealing to people to engage with police and to travel together, especially women.”
He said they are asking for police visibility and people to consider the spirit of Ubuntu and volunteerism to help the neighbourhood watch. They are also calling for stronger co-operation between police, neighbourhood watch members and CPFs at the different mosques.
Ministry of Police spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said the police were doing their best to deal with hijackers. “People must not stop at night for strangers no matter what. The minister promised to go ‘full blown and big,’ as a multidisciplinary force that will include crime intelligence, intelligence and other spheres, such as South African State Security. The police will take a smart and e-driven approach, so that serial suspects do not get away on bail.”