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Shooting sends shock waves through community

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The murder of Moulana Danyal van Niekerk has sent shock waves through the local community.

Moulana Danyal van Niekerk. Picture: Facebook

THE MURDER of Moulana Danyal van Niekerk has sent shock waves through the local community.

The police are investigating a case of kidnapping, theft of his motor vehicle and murder after his body was found in the veld near Samaria Road on Tuesday.

It is believed that he was lured to a business meeting by four unknown men who fired several shots at him.

No arrests have been made yet.

A family friend, Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, said the theologian was killed following his disappearance on June 18.

“His body was discovered by a passer-by in the vicinity of the Samaria Road informal settlement, with bullet wounds. We implore the law enforcement agencies to hunt down those responsible for the murder of our brother and friend and bring them to justice.”

He added that Moulana Danny, as he was affectionately known, managed the Sanzaf Northern Cape offices and supported all programmes of the Galeshewe Muslim Association.

“He later left employment at the organisation to assist his father, Marhoom Uncle Aslam van Niekerk, at his bicycle business, while he set up his own diamond business.”

He stated that Van Niekerk was involved in the diamond industry and was also linked to the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Academy.

“He was very passionate about the development of this industry within historically disadvantaged communities.

“From the day I met this young man we formed a very strong bond of brotherhood and friendship. He addressed me as Mr Tawana asalaamu alaykum and was always respectful.

“Moulana Danny was a family man and was always seen in the company of his wife, kids and mother. He had a very tight bond with his mother. She is devastated as the family recently also lost his dad.”

Tawana added that Van Niekerk was a calm person who never raised his voice.

“It was always a pleasure to be in his company. He loved people and was interested in the progress we were making with the Galeshewe Islamic Centre as well as the Masjidu Bilal project.

“Moulana Danny was short in stature but a giant in nature and we will miss him tremendously.”

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