Durban – Muslim scholar and activist Yousuf Deedat, son of famous Islamic evangelist late Sheikh Ahmed Deedat died on Friday after being shot on Wednesday outside the Verulam Family court in South-African state of Durban.
According to the local media reports, 66-year-old Deedat died at St Anne’s hospital in Pietemaritzburg on Friday afternoon.
On Wednesday, he was heading towards the court when he was approached by a man of Indian-origin who drew a firearm and shot him once in his head before fleeing the vicinity on foot.
A security officer who witnessed the incident chased the suspect who fled into an awaiting white Mazda.
Within hours of the shooting incident, social media was abuzz with rumors about his death. However, his relative from his wife Yasmin’s side negated the rumors and confirmed he was alive and was being treated. However, after battling for life for two days he died.
A former neighbour of Deedat’s, Sharmaine Sewshanker, said he was a well-known community activist who was always willing to help. “He never turned anybody away that pitched up at his door for assistance. He always went the extra mile,” she said.
Col Thembeka Mbele spokesperson for the Police department said the motive for the attack was unknown, and the case is under investigation.
