Leading Muslim scholar and activist Yousuf Deedat, 65, who was shot in the head by unknown gunmen outside the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on January 15, died at St Anne’s hospital in Pietemaritzburg on Friday (January 17) afternoon. His son Raees Deedat said family and friends were at his bedside when he passed away peacefully at 2.40pm.
“The family conveys their heartfelt gratitude for the support they received from family, friends and the community. May his soul rest in peace,” Raees Deedat said.
The director of private security company Reaction Unit South Africa, Prem Balram, said a man simply walked up to Deedat, shot him, and fled to a vehicle parked along Groom Street. “On arrival, the victim was found lying face down on the pavement,” said Balram. The motive for the shooting was not known.
A former neighbour of Deedat’s, Sharmaine Sewshanker, said he was a well-known community activist who was always willing to help. “He never turned anybody away that pitched up at his door for assistance. He always went the extra mile,” she said.