Samnet condemns acid bomb attack on Muslim worshipper following evening prayer

THE South African Muslim Network (Samnet) expressed concern about an alleged Islamophobic hate crime in Tzaneen, where an acid bomb was reportedly thrown at a Muslim worshipper at Masjid us Salaam following evening prayers. 

In a statement issued today, Samnet noted ongoing incidents of hate against Muslims, often blended with other forms of hate like racism and xenophobia.

The statement said Muslims in South Africa contributed and sacrificed in the national struggle for freedom, justice and human rights from the outset of colonisation, and through that struggle communities forged a lasting bond, tolerance and inclusion.

"While we need to recognise that our strength is in that diversity, we need to be wary and take action to ensure that Islamophobia will not be tolerated. The latest incident is just another violent attack and follows recent incidents of an attempted bombing of a mosque, vandalism, and the killing of a woman and stabbing of her family."

Samnet called on the police to act swiftly and treat this and other "hate crimes" as a priority and increase education, awareness and tolerance.

According to a statement by the Tzaneen Muslim Community – Masjid us Salaam, the incident happened on Friday at around 9.40pm after prayers.

A male congregant was attacked by a group of four teenage boys while walking home, approximately 100 metres from the mosque, according to the statement.

"The attack involved the throwing of improvised devices described as plastic water bottles containing a mixture of milk and chlorine. It was an unprovoked interaction. The victim was unsuspecting and sustained injuries to his face and leg as a result of the assault.

"Given that a number of pedestrians were exiting the mosque at the time, members of the community pursued the perpetrators. Two of the youths managed to flee the scene. One youth was prevented from leaving after securing himself behind a gate, where he remained until police intervention approximately three hours later."

The statement said the incident was "deeply disheartening" and represented a serious travesty in a town such as Tzaneen, which had long prided itself on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and multicultural harmony.

"For more than twenty years, Masjid us Salaam has existed peacefully alongside surrounding places of worship, including several churches, reflecting a community built on tolerance and shared humanity. The events of Friday evening have understandably caused outrage and distress within the Muslim community and beyond. While we strongly condemn this act of violence and any form of hate or intimidation, we call upon our community to remain calm and to allow the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action."

The statement said the community reaffirmed its commitment to peace, respect, and the rule of law.

"Our faith teaches dignity, restraint, and compassion, even in the face of provocation. We trust that these principles will continue to serve as a beacon, demonstrating clearly that there is no place for hate, violence, or disrespect in our society. Masjid us Salaam and the Tzaneen Muslim Community stand united in condemning this attack and in upholding the values of harmony, safety, and mutual respect for all who live in Tzaneen."

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