Shock at murder of ‘humble’ moulana

THE family of a prominent Islamic scholar, who was shot in the face while on his way to mosque, have described his killing as senseless.

Moulana Muhammad Patel, 36, of Mayfair, a teacher at the Johannesburg Muslim School (JMS), died at the scene last Tuesday.

His brother, Talha, said Muhammad was reversing out of his driveway when the gunman opened fire.

“His family rushed out and found him slumped over the steering wheel. The gunman vanished,” said Talha.

“The person was ruthless. Nothing was taken. I can’t understand who or why someone would do this. “It was senseless.”

Crime in Mayfair, he said, was out of control. “The only way we can address this is by ensuring there is visible policing. These men get away with murder as they have no fear.”

Talha said his brother’s wife and three daughters were struggling to come to terms with his death.

For his family this was a double blow. “Just over a year ago, my other brother, Yusuf, was killed in an accident in Pakistan.

“We are still getting over his death. For now, we are praying and trying to support one another.”

The school’s spokesperson, Mahmood Hasan Motara, said Muhammad’s death was a loss to the community and the ulema (scholar) fraternity.

“Words cannot do justice in describing the qualities of this humble being whom I was fortunate enough to have had an interaction with over the past 11 years,” said Motara.

“In addition to teaching at JMS, he was involved in administration work, which meant he interacted with every individual at the school… Not once did I witness him getting angry with anybody.”

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said no arrests had been made.