Children see horror ‘hit’
TWO children covered their faces while alleged hitmen shot their father multiple times with hand and machine guns in Overport.
Last Saturday night, Zeyn Moideen, 41, an Overport businessman, was at a soccer tournament at the Tills Crescent Sports Grounds.
Moideen, who owned Zemo Construction, was also a co-owner of Durban Spurs Football Club.
Moideen, his dad, three children and a female friend went to the grounds early that day to set up a gazebo with refreshments for his team. His wife, Shelly, was at home with their youngest son.
“He spent the day at the tournament,” said Moideen’s brother, Rehaad.
“Zeyn, who was fasting during Ramadaan, even broke his fast with his team. During the interval, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, he decided to go to a restaurant in Durban North. He took his two sons and the friend. His daughter remained with her grandfather.
“They returned at 7.30pm. There was no parking, so he parked near a pharmacy about 500m from the grounds.
“He then went to the grounds. But at 8.30pm, the tournament was postponed to the following morning. Zeyn carried the bag containing the players’ dirty soccer kits to his car. He was with his sons and the friend.”
Rehaad said CCTV footage showed the children and the friend getting into his brother’s car.
“He was putting the kits into the boot. My brother then handed money to a car guard and just then two armed men got out of a car parked two spaces away, and opened fire on him.
“The first man used a handgun and shot him three times. By then the children had got out of the car, and so did the friend. The friend ran to Zeyn’s side and tried to protect him, but was shoved aside by one of the men.
“The second man then pulled out a machine gun and sprayed my brother with bullets. His children were standing right there. They were screaming hysterically and covering their faces.”
Rehaad said the men fled in a white VW Polo 6, which had a panoramic roof and silver rims.
“A doctor who was at the tournament examined my brother. He had a pulse. He was then put into one of the vehicles and taken to the hospital, where he died. My brother was killed in the most brutal and inhumane way possible in front of his sons. They have been left traumatised from the horror of that night.”
Rehaad said they believed the shooting was a hit because of the manner in which it was carried out. “Our neighbour, who looks similar to Zeyn and drove a similar car, was also killed two weeks ago. We believe there is a link.”
Rehaad said their lives had not been easy while growing up in a one-bedroom flat in Overport with their parents.
“We also lived with our grandmother and three uncles. Zeyn always wanted to better himself. While in school, he started working and, a few years ago, he opened his business. He had the most amazing heart.
“Since he did not grow up with money, he was not greedy for it. He understood the struggles of people living in the community and gave back by paying some of their electricity bills, buying them groceries, or giving them money when they needed it. He also looked forward to celebrating Eid. He bought clothing for his children and some of his friends.”
He said his brother loved his children: “He idolised and worshipped them. He
only wanted the best for them.”
Rehaad said their mother, Rhoda Moideen, had died seven months ago of cancer.
“Zeyn made sure she went for treatment. We did not have medical aid and he spent almost R500 000 to get her help. After her passing, every Thursday or Friday he placed roses at her graveside at the Brook Street Cemetery.”
He said the family was offering a reward of R500 000 to anyone with information on the case. “The information must lead to an arrest and conviction. We need closure and for those responsible to be placed behind bars.”
Anyone with information can call Rehaad at 0724315403.
Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a provincial police spokesperson, said they were investigating a case of murder.