A 23-year-old Pakistani national has died, seven days after he was shot during a robbery in eNseleni.
According to reports the young man, Zain Ali, was working in a shop he co-owned with his cousin, when two armed men stormed the store on Sunday, May 24.
Friends who were close to Ali claimed there was no struggle, and he and his cousin complied with the robbers.
Ali was shot in front of customers as the robbers fled.
He was hit on his right side, the bullet stopping close to his right hip.
According to President of the Pakistan Association of South Africa, Fayyaz Khan, Ali had been recovering well and managed to start walking in hospital.
His health took a turn for the worse when his spleen burst.
Coupled with the existing trauma from the gun shot, Ali died on Sunday evening.
‘It seems he was shot just for fun,’ said Khan.
‘He had come to South Africa with a dream to make a better life. He was a hard working businessman and a very nice person.’
Targets
Shortly after a telephonic interview with Khan, he issued a statement regarding the incident.
‘The Pakistani community as a whole and the Pakistan Association is shocked by the unfortunate killing of Zain Ali,’ read the statement.
‘We condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent escalating wave of brutal attacks on our nation and we urge all relevant authorities to take all possible measures to protect expatriates.’
He advised Pakistani nationals to investigate and assess areas before moving there to open businesses and emphasised that local leaders and residents must be taken in confidence in order to establish a safeguard for their lives and possessions.
‘We are tired of sending the bodies of our dead brothers home,’ said Khan.
‘The Association will leave no stone unturned to help the local authorities and government to bring the culprits to face the force of the law.’
The Association is hoping to convene a national conference on June 16 to discuss strict measures and an approach to the challenges faced by the Pakistani community.
Ali’s funeral was held on Tuesday in Durban, and his body flown back to Pakistan for burial.
@kcowan23
DID YOU KNOW?
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
BBM – 25A0BF5A or 2B7993C8
