Moulana d ies in ‘hijacking’

Gunned down visiting sick relative in hospital

THE killing of a Durban Muslim cleric has been described as a loss not only to his family but the community he served.

Verulam businessman Moulana Bilal Amla, 35, was shot dead in an alleged hijacking on Thursday night outside The King Edward Hospital in Umbilo.

Police spokesperson Thembeka Mbele said Umbilo police were investigating a case of murder and hijacking.

“The victim was accosted by unknown suspects. The suspects fatally shot him in the chest before fleeing the crime scene in his vehicle,” said Mbele.

A family member said the father of two, who ran a homeware store, was visiting a relative in hospital when the incident occurred.

Moulana Abdullah Khan, administrator of the Jamiatul Ulama, a council of Muslim theologians, described Amla as a good-hearted person who was active in the community.

Amla, who had been involved with the Ulama for a long time, became an executive member six months ago.

“In the recent past he was commissioned by the Ulama to look at places in the north that needed boreholes.

“During special occasions like Eid, he assisted in the distribution of gifts to children in impoverished areas. He had a soft heart for indigent people.

“His passing is a loss not only to his family but the community he served. Sadly, he is among the thousands killed without reason or justification. The government is not doing enough to bring people responsible for such crimes to book,” said Khan.

Chairperson of the Grey Street Mosque Ahmed Valley (AV) Mahomed said a caring, dedicated young priest had been lost.

“He was an innocent soul waiting to fetch his sick brother from hospital. If they wanted the vehicle, why take a life? Our laws in this country are relaxed. We need the death penalty,” said Mahomed.

Amla was buried in Verulam on Friday.