Moulana Moestaqeem Wanza, an Imam in Mitchells Plain, was shot dead outside the Salaamudien Masjid shortly after taraweh prayers. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Mitchells Plain – Ramadan, considered the holiest month for Muslims worldwide, has begun on a tragic note in Cape Town after a Moulana was gunned down outside a masjid in Mitchells Plain on Wednesday evening.
Moulana Moestaqeem Wanza had just finished taraweh prayers — special night prayers performed during Ramadan following the Isha prayer — when he was shot outside Salaamudien Masjid in Lentegeur.
Wanza, 33, was one of six Ramadan reciters at the masjid for the holy month.
Constable Ndakhe Gwala, Western Cape police spokesperson confirmed that Lentegeur police responded to reports of a shooting on Candy Tuff Street at around 10:55pm. Upon arrival, officers found Wanza’s body. The motive for the attack is still unknown, and the suspects remain at large.
In a statement, the masjid said: “It is with profound shock and deep sadness that we confirm that ML Moestaqueem Wanza was shot outside our masjid shortly after taraweh this evening and has since passed away. At this stage, the Masjid Imaamat and committee does not have any confirmed details regarding the circumstances of the incident. We therefore cannot comment further. We respectfully urge the community to refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information.”
The masjid confirmed that two others who were with Wanza at the time were unharmed.
Tributes have poured in on social media, described Wanza as a devoted and humble man, deeply committed to his faith.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app.
