Grassy Park mother mourns after son, 25, killed in 'mistaken identity'
Shakur Makda
Image: Supplied
Shakur Makda, 25, wanted to be an Imam, according to a friend.
But instead of looking forward to a blessed future, his family is now mourning what could have been after Makda was shot dead in what is “suspected to be a case of mistaken identity”.
His mom’s world came to a standstill on April 23, when her son was gunned down on 14th Avenue, Eagle Park.
She recalls: “He went for a walk as he always would. He had not been for a walk in a while, since Ramadan, and he decided that day to go for one. We found out about two hours later because they were trying to find me. Someone recognised him and said it was my son. The neighbours said they heard the gunshots and were ducking down. By the time they got outside, they did not see anyone, but they had heard some arguing outside before the shots. Police say the bullets that were used in my son’s shooting were used in an attempted murder a week before, and they suspect it is mistaken identity.”
She added: “My son was looking for work. He did not deserve it; he was a happy soul, friendly and helpful.
Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan Mohamed.
Image: Supplied
“He told a friend that he wants to become an Imam. We are coping and accepting that he is in a better place.
“[But] we want justice. I would like to talk to those people who shot him and ask them why.”
Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan Mohamed, executive member of the Cape Town Ulama Board, added: “The Cape Town Ulama Board is reeling from the senseless killing of yet more young men's lives cut short by a wave of violence that is tearing the fabric of our society apart. We refuse to watch from the sidelines. The Cape Town Ulama Board is urgently organising a High-Level Crime Response Meeting. We have invited Members of Parliament, civic leaders, and safety authorities to confront the scourge of gangsterism and drugs on the Cape Flats. This is not just a policy issue; it is a moral crisis."
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed that the matter is under investigation, saying: “Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at about 7:40pm at 14th Avenue, Eagle Park, in which a 25-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, are under investigation. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. The motive for this shooting incident forms part of the police investigation.”