Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-11-21

Qabrastaan’s (cemetery’s) are a place of serenity and the final resting place for loved ones that have passed on.

In recent times the sanctuary for the marhoomeen (deceased) particularly Avalon Qabrastaan has become a haven for scrupulous criminals ready to prey on unsuspecting people that come to the Qabrastaan to make dua (prayer) for their loved ones.

In the latest incident one man was severely assaulted and another shot after they went to the Avalon Qabrastaan near Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

Mohamed Iqbal Kadir from Saaberie Chisty Burial Society told Radio Islam, that they sent the bakkie out on Tuesday (19 November) at 2:30pm to open the Jamaat Khana and to clean the grave because they had a mayyit or burial on the day.

Khalil Shaik and Basheer Makhanda also from Saaberie Chisty Burial Society after arriving at Avalon Qabarastaan were accosted by two young men who were loitering around.

“The guys left from here to go to the qabrastaan to set up and this people (attackers) were walking around…”

“They pulled Khalil out of the vehicle and they threw him down grabbing his wallet and identity document. The Malawi guy, Basheer Makhanda said these people are here to hijack us. As he ran away they shot him in his leg,” said Kadir.

A bystander called the police and said they arrived on the scene within ten minutes,

Makahanda was rushed to the Lenmed Private Hospital in Lenasia where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg.

Although in a stable condition, the doctors informed Makahanda that he would have to live with the bullet embedded in his flesh for the remainder of his life in order to avoid paralysis or any permanent damage.

A case has been opened at the Kliptown Police Station. The communications officer at the Kliptown police station was unavailable for comment.

“Whoever goes to (Avalon Cemetery) to visit a qabr, don’t go alone. Go with a couple of people… and be alert, warned Kadir.”

(Twitter: @Faizie143 )