A Heideveld taxi driver was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday while sitting in his van with his gaatjie and a friend.
The cold-blooded attack happened around noon at Bloukrans Road close to the Heideveld railway.
Rafiq Moose, who was also a hafiz (memorised the Qur’an), died on arrival at the hospital while his gaatjie and friend were left wounded.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, two armed men approached the taxi and fired several shots.
After shooting the men and riddling the taxi with bullets, they fled on foot.
“According to reports, two unidentified males approached the taxi and without any warning fired several shots at the taxi,” says Van Wyk.
“They then fled the scene on foot. The three males were rushed to a nearby medical facility where the 30-year-old male succumbed to his injuries.”
The deceased’s brother-in-law Whaleed Heneke says they are shocked by his violent death as he had been a good husband and father.
“His wife is not taking the news well. They got married two years ago and he was a good man. He memorised the Qur’an and taught people around Heideveld,” he says.
The couple has a one-year-old daughter and Rafiq was the breadwinner.
Whaleed says Rafiq had been working as a taxi driver for over five years.
“He wanted to work for his family and then he became a taxi driver. He had a soft personality and was a humble man. His killing does not make sense at all,” he says.
Van Wyk says cases of murder and attempted murder have been opened for investigation.
“Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident (yesterday) at about 11.40am at the Heideveld railway station, where three males aged 26, 30 and 40 were shot and injured while sitting in a taxi, are under investigation.
“Anyone with information regarding this shooting incident can contact Manenberg SAPS 021 699 9400.”