TZANEEN – A violent attack on a Muslim congregant outside Masjid us Salaam Mosque on Friday evening has sparked outrage in the community, with both the Muslim leadership and local police strongly condemning the incident.

The attack occurred at approximately 21:40 on February 20, shortly after the conclusion of prayers at the mosque. It is currently Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims worldwide.

One suspect detained, three still at large

According to a statement issued by the Tzaneen Muslim Community, a male congregant was walking home, about 100 metres from the mosque, when he was allegedly targeted by four teenage boys.

The boys reportedly threw improvised devices described as plastic water bottles containing a mixture of milk and chlorine in his direction.

The victim, who was unsuspecting at the time, sustained injuries to his face and leg. It is alleged that the teenage boys are from a local high school.

Congregants were exiting the mosque when the attack took place. Members of the community pursued the alleged perpetrators. According to reports, three of the boys fled the scene, while one was cornered behind a gate at a house on Peace Street and remained there until police arrived.

A crowd of about 300 congregants gathered around the entrance to the house, the Herald was told by an eyewitness.

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It is reported that at about 01:00, a senior police officer and a representative of a first responder company arrived and entered the premises.

They found one teenage boy with his family (a mother, grandmother, and sister) on the premises. The boy denied allegations but was escorted to the police station with his mother in a police vehicle, where he was detained. The Herald was told that the family had, in the meantime, been taken to a place of safety.

Community leaders meet with police

On Tuesday, a mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg, Galston Anthony, who originally hails from Tzaneen, met with representatives of the Muslim community following the incident and facilitated a meeting with the Tzaneen SAPS to gain clarity on the progress of the investigation into the attack.

During the meeting, Heinrich Mbhalati, head of ground operations and ward intelligence for Know Your Power, praised Anthony for his efforts in trying to achieve reconciliation and justice.

Tzaneen SAPS station commander Brig Edward Masinamela assured community members that police are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.

“We are happy that the Muslim community is working with us, and we thank Anthony for making it possible for both parties to meet, because in this way we will be able to get more information from the community,” Masinamela said.

Not the first incident targeting local mosque

Community representatives indicated that this was not the first incident targeting the mosque.

They cited previous acts, including a pig’s head allegedly being thrown into the mosque premises and defamatory graffiti, which members said they had removed without escalating tensions.

“Since the mosque was built in 2004, we have never had trouble with the town and have not bothered anyone,” community representatives said. “We trust that justice will be served and are encouraged by the clarification provided by the police.”

Forensic tests underway

The police confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (assault GBH) has been opened for investigation. The bottles used in the alleged attack have been sent for forensic analysis, and police are awaiting the results.

Authorities further indicated that should forensic evidence confirm the nature of the devices and link suspects to their manufacture, an additional charge relating to bomb manufacturing could be opened. Police investigations remain ongoing.

A well-known local lawyer also took to social media to condemn Friday evening’s attack, describing it as deliberate and dangerous, particularly as it occurred during the holy month of Ramadan.

“There must be accountability,” she wrote. “Violence, intimidation, and targeting people for their faith or identity will not be excused, minimised, or rationalised.”

Despite the anger and distress caused by the incident, the Tzaneen Muslim Community reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dignity, and the rule of law. Community leaders urged residents to remain calm and allow authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.