Yesterday morning (May 10), the communities of Morningside and North Beach in Durban were confronted with vandalism and hate speech on Sol Harris Road, Gordon Road, Carpendale Park and near the Masjid mosque on John McIntyre Road, targeting the Muslim community.

Berea Mail reports community leaders have condemned the incident and called for calm amid spiralling speculation among irate residents in the affected areas.

Police case opened

North Beach CPF chairperson Mahomed Essa confirmed that a case of incitement to violence, intimidation and hate speech has been opened by himself and the community at Durban Central SAPS.

“A full-scale investigation has commenced, including the review of available CCTV footage and all relevant evidence. Those responsible for this inflammatory act will be identified and brought to book shortly,” said Essa.

He urged the community to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigation without interference.

Essa added: “We remain committed to peace, safety, and the rule of law. As the North Beach CPF chairperson, I wish to address the ongoing matter and urge the community not to attribute or confine this incident to any political party or group at this stage. Speculation at this point is unhelpful and may compromise the integrity of the investigation.”

Councillor condemns vandalism

Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith said he strongly condemns ‘this type of wilful and malicious damage to private and public property in the affected communities’.

“At this time I am engaging with SAPS to open a case against said person(s) as vandalism – especially that with such abhorrent messaging – should not be accepted or tolerated by anyone.

“We as South Africans should be working with one another to build our country to its best potential, not divide our people along religious, racial or any other means. I encourage anyone with information to come forward in order to bring those responsible to justice.”

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