Attack on caretaker of burial site condemned

THE Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has condemned yesterday’s attack on the caretaker of the Oudekraal Kramat, in Sea Point.

Five assailants attacked the caretaker and his family, with whom he lives on the property.

The head of the Muslim Cemetery Board and the second deputy president of the MJC, Shaykh Riad Fataar, said the council was deeply saddened to hear of the attack on those who preserved sacred burial sites in Islam.

“The increase of crime and gangsterism has led to unsafe conditions at cemeteries and we call on the SAPS and the authorities to fulfil their responsibility towards the protection of all communities,” said Fataar.

“We pray for a speedy recovery for the caretaker and his family.” He said the caretaker had requested that his identity not be released, to protect his family following their ordeal.

Known as the 99 steps Kramat, Oudekraal Kramat houses the remains of a prominent muslim scholar, Shaykh Noorul Mubeen.

He was a political prisoner banished to the Cape in 1716 and incarcerated on Robben Island.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said: “This office can confirm that the circumstances surrounding a house robbery in Oudekraal are being investigated, following an incident during the early hours of Tuesday morning at around 3.30am. The three occupants of the house were attacked by a group of suspects who are yet to be arrested.”

Anyone with information related to the incident can anonymously contact the Sea Point Police station on 021 430 3700 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

THE Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa condemns the attack on the caretaker – and his family – of the Oudekraal kramat in Sea Point.

According to the caretaker, five assailants attacked him and his family in the early hours of yesterday morning.

We are deeply saddened upon hearing of the attack on those who preserve sacred burial sites in Islam.

The increase of crime and gangsterism has led to the unsafe conditions at cemeteries and we call on the SAPS and the necessary authorities to fulfil their responsibility towards the protection of all communities.

We pray for a speedy recovery for the caretaker and his family.

The Oudekraal kramat (a kramat is a shrine that honours a holy person in Islam), known as the 99 steps kramat, houses the remains of a prominent Muslim scholar, Shaykh Noorul Mubeen.

Shaykh Mubeen was a political prisoner banished to the Cape in 1716 and he was incarcerated on Robben Island.

We urge anyone with details regarding the incident to please contact the Sea Point police.

They can do this by calling 021 430 3700/18/41.