Muslim cleric gunned down outside Cape Town mosque after Ramadan prayers

It has been a bloody start to Ramadan in Cape Town when a Muslim cleric was gunned down outside a mosque in Mitchells Plain on Wednesday evening. 

Moulana Moestaqeem Wanza had just concluded taraweh prayers (prayers performed only during the nights of Ramadan, usually following the Isha prayer) when he was shot outside the Salaamudien Masjied in Lentegeur. 

Moulana Wanza was one of six Ramadan reciters for the holy month at the mosque. 

The Western Cape police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, confirmed the incident. 

“On Wednesday, February 18, 2026,  Lentegeur police responded to reports of a shooting in Candy Tuff Street in Lentegeur. Upon arrival, they found the body of a 33-year-old male lying on the street. According to reports, the deceased was leaving the mosque at around 10.55pm, and he was gunned down by unknown suspects. The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined,” Gwala said. 

In a statement released by the mosque, it confirms Wanza the incident. 

“It is with profound shock and deep sadness that we confirm that ML Moestaqueem Wanza was shot outside our masjid shortly after taraweh this evening and has since passed away. At this stage, the Masjid Imaamat and committee does not have any confirmed details regarding the circumstances of the incident. We therefore cannot comment further. We respectfully urge the community to refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information,” it said. 

The statement also confirmed that two other individuals who were with the victims were unharmed. 

Tributes for the cleric have been flooding social media as he has been described as a humble man who was devout to his faith. 

Police have urged anyone with information regarding the shooting incident to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111, alternatively, utilise the MySAPS mobile application. 

[email protected]

IOL