During a visit to the Imam Hussein Mosque in Vermeulen, North of Durban, on Sunday, Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has promised to find the perpetrators of the brutal attack on Thursday.
One person was killed and two were injured when a group of knife-wielding men attacked those praying at the Shia mosque.
The minister inspected the mosque. The attackers, armed with knives, ambushed three people inside the mosque, including the moulana, Ali Enchinaye.
One of the victims who was stabbed, Abbas Essop, died on his way to hospital.
Enchinaye and another worshipper Mohammed Ali were seriously injured but survived.
The library at the mosque was also set alight.
Cele has promised that police will do whatever is necessary to find the perpetrators.
“If people die through the grace of God because their time has come, its fine but this kind of thing is really devastating. But for us as South African police its not to come and mourn it’s to find answers what happened why and who did, exactly what we are trying to work towards.”
He also visited the Essop family his wife says she’s struggling to come to terms with his death.
“Without saying a word he has created such an impact he’s brought all of us together so I’m proud of him and my daughters know he’s a hero and I’m never going to let them forget him because he loved them so much,” says Sakeena Essop the victim’s wife.
The Ahlul Bait Foundation of South Africa has welcomed the Minister’s visit.
The Ahlul Bait Foundation of South Africa’s Syed Aftab Haider says, “Today’s visit by the minister of police is an indicator of that fact that they are taking a very serious interest in this very horrible tragedy incident and we are hopeful and confident that this interest and focus will bring us fruit culprits will be brought to justice and arrested soon.”
The attack has been condemned by Muslim nations and organisations around the world.
Enchinaye has been released from hospital and is recovering at home, while Ali remains in hospital after undergoing surgery.
No arrests have been made. The mosque is expected to remain closed for at least two weeks.
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