Dentist’s husband killed
POLICE are hunting for killers of the husband of a well-known dentist gunned down at the family’s dental practice in Khayelitsha.
According to reports, two unknown attackers entered the premises in Ntlazane Street, Lingelethu-West, on Monday and held up the staff.
One armed suspect threatened the guard and forced him into a room.
Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said the security guard then heard three gunshots and a few seconds after he went out he discovered that Rashid Halday, 56, husband of Dr Camillah Bayat, had been shot in the head. His attackers were gone.
“The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for medical assistance, where he later died due to injuries sustained,” Van Wyk said.
Detectives were investigating all available leads, he added.
The guard, who did not want his name published, said he was terrified, and was hoping to get counselling. I do not know what will happen to me next,” he said.
Resident, Brenda Mamputa, described Halday as a person who always had a smile on his face.
“Halday served as a manager at the surgery and was always helping his customers with care.”
Mamputa said she used to take her daughter to the surgery.
ANC MP Faiez Jacobs expressed shock and said the family had surgeries in Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Gugulethu, and were known for ploughing back into communities by supporting and funding community development initiatives.
He said Halday came from a family of prominent medical practitioners who, over years, saw the need to render a much-needed medical service to impoverished communities on the Cape Flats.
“To his wife, Dr Camilla Bayat, who provides much-needed dental care to our people, and to his family and friends, I say hold tight to memories of his service of love and comfort for people, and always remember how much he was loved and appreciated by all for whom he managed muchneeded medical service and health care,” Jacobs said.
He urged the residents to assist the police in bringing the killers to book, and to unite and end the scourge of crime and violence.
Anyone with information can contact a police station, call Crime Stop on 086 0010111 or SMS Crimeline 32211.