Disabled parking row turns violent

RISING tensions against people parking illegally in disabled parking spaces on the Bluff led to the assault of a well-known local businessman recently.

Bluffites have been posting images on local social chat forums of able-bodied people parking in disabled spaces.

The practise has become a bugbear for many residents, including Pets ’n All owner, Salim Sheik.

On Monday, 29 September, Sheik, who has lived on the Bluff for 15 years, set off for his usual gym session. “When I arrived at the gym I noticed a man removing the beacons in the disabled bay, parking his vehicle and walking, quite ably, into the gym. I asked the security guards why they did nothing about this and they responded that it happened all the time and there was nothing to be done. I requested the man’s wheel be clamped and they agreed to do that,” said Sheik.

After a 25-minute work-out, he decided to check if the car had been clamped – it had not. “I decided to take matters in to my own hands.” Sheik placed a hand-written note, reading ‘mentally handicapped’ on the man’s windshield and returned to his work-out.

A few minutes later the man, who he estimates weighed between 110 and 120kg, approached him. He asked Sheik why he put the noteon his window. “I responded by saying I have family, friends and customers who were disabled and did not think it was right for someone who wasn’t to park in the space.”

Sheik was then ordered by the man to remove the sign and he refused, saying the man should move his car first. The man left only to return and again ordered him to remove the sign, claiming he was leaving.

Believing the matter was resolved; Salim accompanied the man to his car to remove the sign when he was allegedly attacked from behind. “I didn’t expect any violence. I always tell my children there are better ways to solve things and people never need to resort to violence.”

The man allegedly grabbed Sheik and threw him to the ground, stomped on him and repeatedly kicked him in the head, neck, back and chest. He also clawed at his ear. Witnesses intervened and Sheik was taken to the Bluff Medical Centre, where he was treated for a fractured jaw and received stitches to his ear.

“It was barbaric. There was a moment when I was afraid for my life. My children were very upset when they saw my injuries and heard what happened. But we are all much better and have had tremendous community support, with many people thanking me for standing up for the rights of disabled people.”

Sheik and his wife, Farhana, said not much has changed since the assault as people continue to park in disabled spaces illegally. “It would be nice if something is done about it and people are fined.”

Looking back on the ordeal, Sheik said he would do it all over again. “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in, no-one else will.”