Shot dead in curfew
KILLED: Ubaidullah Ebrahiem Rawoot was shot while transporting workers
The family of a young Mitchells Plain man who was murdered in Samora Machel want police minister Bheki Cele to be held accountable after he was gunned down during the national curfew.
The hartseer family of Ubaidullah Ebrahiem Rawoot, 21, say the young man was killed while picking up essential workers in Anthony French Street shortly after 9pm on Wednesday.
Ubaidullah, who celebrated his 21st birthday on 26 December, was assisting his father Moulana Ebrahiem Rawoot, who runs a family transport business.
Cousin Munowarah, 33, says while messages circulating claimed it was a botched hijacking, the family were unsure of the motive behind the shooting as Ubaidullah was in possession of all his valuables and the van was not taken.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirms the incident and explains: “According to reports, police responded to the crime scene at Anthony French Street at 9.30pm and they found the victim inside a Toyota Quantum with a gunshot wound to his head.
“It is believed that the driver is contracted to transport employees. The circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated with no arrests yet.”
Yesterday shocked mourners gathered outside Ubaidullah’s home in Highlands Village.
They described him as a polite young man.
Munowarah says her cousin’s death has sparked anger as the family questions why thugs were allowed to roam the streets during the 9pm to 6am curfew hours.
“Ubaidullah had a permit and was collecting essential workers when he was shot.
“As a family we don’t want a sorry. We want accountability from Bheki Cele. We want to know why these thugs were allowed to roam around during the curfew.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa cried crocodile tears when he said the curfew was to save lives, but here my cousin has paid with his life.”
He will be laid to rest today after Jumu’ah prayers.