Durban – Muslim scholar and activist Yousuf Deedat, son of famous Islamic evangelist late Sheikh Ahmed Deedat escaped death when he was shot outside the Verulam Family court in South-African state of Durban on Wednesday morning.
According to the local media reports, 66-year-old Deedat 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.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were dispatched at around 8:30 am to airlift Deedat who was lying face down on the pavement.
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 is alive.
“His sister Quarraisha is with him. He is alive and undergoing treatment”, the relative said.
Prem Balram spokesperson for RUSA said, “On arrival, the victim Yousuf Ahmed Deedat was found lying face down on the pavement. He had sustained a single gunshot wound to his head”.
“The victim is currently being stabilised on scene by paramedics.”
Col Thembeka Mbele spokesperson for the Police department said the motive for the attack was unknown, and the case is under investigation.
