Maitland mosque shooting sparks fears of violence at places of worship
According to reports, the 35-year-old man was shot in broad daylight near a mosque in Maitland.
Image: Leon Knipe
A 35-year-old man was shot dead outside a mosque in Maitland, prompting community outrage and fears of increasing violence at places of worship.
According to reports, the victim was shot in broad daylight near the mosque shortly after prayers.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “Maitland police registered a murder case following a shooting incident on Friday afternoon, January 16 at 2.03 pm at the corner of Patton and Coronation Road, Maitland, in which a 35-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded.
“According to reports, SAPS members attended to a complaint of a shooting incident at the mentioned address and on their arrival found the victim lying with a gunshot wound to the head at the driver side door of a silver VW Polo.”
He added that crime scene experts were on the scene combing the area for clues and that circumstances surrounding the shooting incident are under investigation.
Local ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg said he is deeply disturbed and saddened by the shooting.
Steenberg said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased, the congregation, and the broader Maitland community during this difficult time.
“Places of worship should always be spaces of peace, safety, and unity, and any act of violence in such a space is completely unacceptable.
“At this stage, the full details surrounding the incident are not yet known. I urge the community to allow the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation and to avoid speculation that may cause further distress or division.”
He further called on residents to remain calm and united, and to work together with law enforcement as they carry out their duties.
He added: “Violence has no place in our communities, and we must continue to stand together against all forms of crime.”
Anyone with information about this shooting incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Melvyn Matthews on 079 894 0092 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
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