Death threats shake Montclair shopkeeper
Aji Ullah MD Kamal Hossain said two men who pounced on him in his shop told him that they were sent to steal his bakkie and rob his shop.
A SHOPKEEPER in Montclair is fearful for his life after allegedly receiving death threats from a man known to him.
The Bangladeshi national claimed that two men pounced on him on Tuesday, 3 March, in his shop and told him they were allegedly hired by his business partner’s cousin to kill him so as to have full rights to the business.
Aji Ullah MD Kamal Hossain said that it is no longer business as usual for him as he believes his every move is being scrutinised.
“I was behind the counter. They bought cigarettes and peanuts and after I gave them their change, one of them took out their phone and showed a picture and asked if it was me. At first, I said yes and then I had a change of mind, suspecting something, and told them it was my brother,” he said.
The men then asked him to step outside as they wanted to talk to him. Hossain said they then told him that they were sent to steal his bakkie and rob his shop.
“They told me the man who sent them told them where I keep money, when I open and close the shop and how often I leave the premises. They then called the man who sent them and put him on loudspeaker. They told him they did not find me in the shop, but found my brother instead. The man instructed them to wait a few minutes for their target and to continue with their mission so they would receive the rest of their payment,” he explained.
Hossain said listening to the man speak over the phone, he realised that he knew who was talking and told the two men.
“I have a younger brother and sister back home to support, they are studying. My mother is also sick and I have to send them money regularly. I’m struggling every day – from morning to night, buying stock and ensuring that there is enough to survive this situation.”
“I’m doing honest work with my business. I explained my situation to them and asked them to make a plan for me. They advised me to tell my ‘brother’ to hide for a few weeks and said they’d tell their ‘boss’ the job was done. I gave them petrol money and some juice and we parted ways,” he said.
Hossain said he wants calm restored and the court to serve the judgment accordingly.
Captain Derek Vijiam of Montclair police confirmed that both the victim and suspect are known to each other and are both businessmen.
“All three suspects have been charged and have made a brief appearance in court. It is alleged that the victim and instigator are family and the threats are because one is doing better than the other in business.”
“The case has been remanded to Thursday, 26 May, for further investigations. All three suspects were released on bail,” he said.
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