Cii News Pic: Cii News (Protestors outside court following the first appearance of Kazi murder suspects) – August 13, 2012

The court proceedings in the Muhammad Fayaz Kazi murder case was postponed for 7 days in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning after the two suspects were denied bail.

After a long wait by media, family and supporters, they were prevented from seeing the suspects who appeared privately before a judge in an adjacent court.

Shortly after the private hearing the suspects were whisked away much to the surprise of all those gathered.

Community activist, Zahid Asmal said the family was upset at what transpired in court.

“ We were all seated in court and I was tipped off by court officials that a private hearing took place,” he said.

Asmal further said that South African courts should be opened to everybody.

“We were denied the opportunity to witness first hand the people that allegedly killed Fayaz Kazi,” he said.

Court officials cited ‘due process’ when quizzed about the motive for the change in events.

“They said Anser Mahmood must first identify the suspects before they can appear in public,” Asmal told Cii News.

Mahmood was one of the victims who was with Kazi when they were allegedly attacked by two men after being mocked about their Islamic appearance in Magaliesburg last Monday.

HashimBhai Motara, Kazi’s father-in-law, broke down outside the court. With tears rolling down his face he told Cii, “All we want is justice so that we are not continuously reminded about what happened. During these last few nights of Ramadan people should make dua [pray] that Allah gives the family patience and in particular my daughter. It is very difficult for her.”

Condemnation

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic communities (CRL Rights Commission) said they were deeply disturbed and concerned about the alleged religious attack .

The oganisation’s chairperson, Dr. Reverend Wesley Mabuza said that it was tragic that after 18 years of democracy, there are still members of communities that verbally and physically attack others because of beliefs.

“We cannot over emphasise the need to condemn this unreservedly ,” Mabuza told Cii news.

The organisation said that their deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and community of the deceased.

“This whole unfortunate episode is further compounded by the shocking and disturbing fact that this unbelievable killing of Kazi Fayaaz happens also during the holy month of Ramadaan.”

Mabuza said that he suspects that the incident was perpetrated by trouble makers who, “will find anything so that there is a kind of turmoil in the country”.

“I cannot for the life of me understand how one human being can do it to another person simply because of his belief and his appearance,” Mabuza said.

At the court, supporter Fadheela Patel said that it was unfortunate that Islamphobia is on a rise in South Africa.