Valhalla mosque fight gets ugly
The South African Human Rights Commission has now been asked to take action against Valhalla residents making threats should a mosque be erected in the suburb.
Abuse, insults and threats to slaughter pigs on a site in Valhalla designated for the erection of a mosque, has now been reported to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Community activist and social cohesion advocate Yusuf Abramjee has called on the SAHRC to urgently investigate, claiming that some of those opposed to the mosque had been hurling abuse, threats and insults at Muslims.
“Comments have also been racial and hatred is being openly promoted. In addition, Islamophobia is clearly evident,” Abramjee stated in his letter to the commission.
He attached a long list of posting on social media to back up his claims.
“Bury a pig on the property but let the head be above ground”, posted Hendrik Pieter du Preez.
Nico Lindo posted “Slaughter a pig on the site. Lots of nice blood”.
“Yes, it seems they are taking over. Maybe we should also start to murder to getinto heaven!,” André Jordaan commented.
Kathy Louise Britz called for the “desecration” of the mosque once its built.
Abramjee told the SAHRC these comments were hurtful, an incitement to violence and insulting.
“I hereby appeal to the SAHRC to urgently probe the issue and take appropriate action against those involved.”
He said he was awaiting a reply from the commission.
The title deeds to the land – a derelict park in Valhalla – was recently handed over to the Thaba Tshwane Muslim Centre Trust by mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
An overwhelming majority in the city council voted in support of donating the land to the trust.
This was one of dozens of donations of under-utilised land the council had decided to hand over to various religious groups.
This was preceded by several public participation processes conducted by the metro in the past two years.
Several Valhalla residents now claim that they had not been informed about the plan to erect a mosque and a community centre in the suburb.
Also read:
Mosque site quiet after slaughter threats
Valhalla mosque staying – mayor
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