Social media attack on double murder suspect's family condemned

THE family of Wasim Kudoos, accused of murdering a barber and gardener in Chatsworth, have become the target of social media smear campaign, soon after his arrest.

Community leaders have condemned these attacks as 'uncalled for' while police investigate.

Kudoos, 32, was arrested by Bayview police, at his home in Fiona Street, soon after he allegedly shot dead his gardener, Mzikayise Paulos Mabida, 54, execution style, in the driveway of his Mobeni Heights home last Wednesday.

An hour earlier, he allegedly shot and killed a barber, Mahmudel Sajid, 38, at his salon in Summerfield Road, in Bayview.

In the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Kudoos family had asked the court to grant permission for a urine sample to be taken from him while he was in police custody.

State prosecutor Yamukela Nyawose said the State was opposed to his release on bail.

“The State opposes the release of custody on bail and intends sending the accused for mental observation before we entertain any bail application,” she said.

Kudoos’ attorney Michelle Ngcobo from Shireen Soobrathi and Attorneys said the defence was in agreement with the State.

“We request the court's assistance in facilitating getting a urine sample for the family's personal use. The accused is an ill person receiving psychiatric treatment. His psychiatrist requested the accused’s urine sample. We asked the police, but they asked us to ask the court to facilitate it.”

Magistrate Gumede said the court could not make an order for a urine sample when it was not known what the person requesting it intended to do with it.

He said the family could ask the police, and if an agreement was made, then the urine sample could be taken.

The case was adjourned and Kudoos was sent to the district surgeon for a mental assessment.

On the day of his court appearance, a message started to circulate on social media.

The message alleged an affair between the barber and Kudoos’ mother prompted the killings.

The message also spoke of Kudoos’ father’s involvement in the Mobeni Heights Community Policing Forum (CPF) and his father’s sister’s death at the Throb Nightclub tragedy 25 years ago.

Sumaya Kudoos, 16, was killed in the tragedy along with 12 other children during a stampede after a teargas attack at the nightclub's end-of-term matinee in March 2000.

Brandon Pillay, chairperson of the Bayview CPF, said while they condemned acts of violence, they were deeply concerned about  social media post which was causing further trauma to the family.

He said the message was an uncalled for attack on the family.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic shootings in our community, which claimed the lives of two men. We extend our heartfelt condolences to both the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. We pray for strength during this difficult time. 

“We unequivocally condemn these acts of violence. No motive can justify the violent taking of human life, especially when those targeted were members of our community going about their daily lives.

“We applaud the swift action of the police in the apprehension of the alleged suspect. But we note with serious concern a recent post on social media platforms regarding the incidents that occurred,” said Pillay.

“At this stage, we wish to make it clear to the community that the matter is part of an ongoing police investigation. We strongly condemn the narrative that is being portrayed and make a special appeal to the community to delete such posts from all platforms. We further call on members of the community to refrain from sharing this post. 

“We are extremely disappointed and disturbed by the content that is in circulation and find the post to be deeply insensitive, especially when it refers to a family member who passed on tragically at a very young age. The clear and direct attack on the father of the alleged suspect is unnecessary and uncalled for, especially since he is not a party to any of the alleged actions,” he added.

Pillay said no family member could be held accountable for the actions of any other individual. 

“These claims are baseless and not factual. It is clearly meant to create a hype and scandal. We wish to remind the author/authors that they are seriously interfering in a police investigation, and we call on them to refrain from such actions. We call for calm and respect for all families during this difficult time,” Pillay added.

Kudoos father declined to comment.

THE POST