The murder of Muhammed De-Lair (32), a well-known security company owner in Actonville, has shaken the community.
De-Lair, who owned Armour Me A-Tac, was gunned down on January 28 along Mayet Drive in Actonville at around 17:00.
He and his pregnant wife had gone to a local butchery. She waited in the car. De-Lair was shot while walking back to the car. Later that day, his wife went into labour.
According to Actonville SAPS spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi, when police officers arrived at the scene, they found the 32-year-old’s body next to his car. He had sustained bullet wounds.
Nyathi said they’ve launched a manhunt for two suspects who allegedly opened fire on De-Lair before fleeing on foot towards the Wattville area.
“A case of murder has been opened. Investigations are still continuing,” said Nyathi.
He called on members of the public to assist the police with any information that can laed to arrest of the suspects. Anyone with information can contact the Actonville SAPS on 011 964 6000.
The City Times spoke to De-Lair’s wife, Zainab (27).
“On the day of the shooting, I was with him. We had gone to the butchery to collect his order.
“After what I witnessed, at around 23:00, I went into labour and gave birth to our baby girl the following day at around 03:00.”
The devastated wife said her husband was looking forward to meeting their first child together. He has three other children from a previous relationship.
“Muhammed was so excited, he had so many plans for our baby girl but all of that has been cut short. I’m still emotional, but I’m trying to be strong for my baby,” said Zainab.
A close friend of De-Lair, Farouk Araie, said De-Lair was a dedicated member of the community who in the line of duty was available 24/7 to render medical and security assistance whenever the need arose.
“As community members, we honour the tireless efforts he undertook to keep us safe during a raging pandemic and protect us from harm during lockdown’s escalating crime.
“We will never forget the courageous deeds of his service to humanity. A brave soul has departed our community, a fearless individual to whom we owe our highest respect and admiration. His whole life was to protect us from predators who seek to harm us. He lived to make a difference in the world. He chose to be our guardian of freedom,” said Araie.
Various security companies, in conjunction with members of the community, have organised a drive in memory of De-Lair on February 4.
The drive will commence at El Ridge Shopping Centre in Bartlett and then proceed to Lakefield, Northmead, Brakpan and end in Actonville.
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Also Read: Man killed in Actonville
