Abdinasir Bashir Ahmed – Cii News and analysis  | 11 September 2012

On August, 8, 2012, two Muslim friends were beaten savagely because of their religious beliefs resulting in the death of one of them.

Muhammad Fayaz Kazi died of injuries sustained from the beatings and Anser Mahmood escaped badly injured.

We examine one of the factors that lead to this recent South African tragedy.

Size and weight

The high profile murder and assault case has now gone to court where it was suggested that it may be rooted in racism and religious hatred.

However it’s always good to explore all possible angles when such a tragic thing happens.

I took a keen interest in one of the eyewitness accounts reported shortly after the incident stating that the accused, Roedolph Viviers, was a huge man thought to weigh in access of 100kg.

The beating was allegedly so severe that by-standers, including an off duty police officer, were unable to stop it.

When I read and listened to media reports about this occurrence, it reminded me of a popular African proverb which says: ‘Whoever is bigger than you (in size and weight), will become irritated before you do’.

This implies that the attitude of people who have muscular power above the average person will more easily resort to physical violence.

Martial arts specialist, Solly Said , of the Solly Said Karate, Kickboxing and Gym in Fordsburg ellaborated: “People who have muscular and physical power think that they can beat anyone and they have bullying attitudes”. This off course is a generalisation and everyone cannot be painted with the same brush.

Solly advised people saying, “You must empower yourselves by learning martial arts, no matter how small you are or whether you are average, you can challenge and overcome anyone no matter how much bigger they are compared to you.”

It all comes down to the misuse of power whether it’s physical strength or weaponry. Just think about Israel and the West and how they are abusing their strength. .