A routine trip home for Ladysmith businessman Aboobaker Omarjee ended with gunmen opening fire on his vehicle.
68-year-old Mr Omarjee was known to many as “Baboo” from Madevu Stores in Driefontein. He was returning from his store in Driefontein and was passing through the Hobsland area, accompanied by his son and at least one employee. They had just stopped their vehicle to off-load the employee when two gunmen stormed the vehicle. It is unclear at this stage if it was an attempted hijacking or a robbery attempt.
As it was pension pay-out day on Tuesday, the Omarjees’ bakkie was being accompanied by a security vehicle. The gunmen opened fire, hitting Mr Omarjee Snr, who was driving the bakkie.
Armed guards in the security company vehicle exchanged fire with the gunmen, and they fled on foot.
Mr Omarjee Snr was rushed to La Verna Hospital, but was pronounced DOA (dead on arrival).
The funeral of Mr Aboobaker Omarjee took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Janaza Salah (last prayer before one is buried) was held at the Musjide Maseehulah in Rose Park at 12.15am, proceeding to the Simla Road Qabrastan (graveyard).
Social media sites were abuzz with the news of the tragic death, with hundreds of people condemning the attack on such a loved member of Ladysmith and the Driefontein community. He is survived by his wife and three children, and will be dearly missed by family and friends.
At this stage, the suspects are still at large.
Mayor Vincent Madlala, in a radio interview on Wednesday morning, stressed his condemnation of the attack. “He was a very helpful man to the community and always provided for those who were in need. “I wish to assure everyone that no stone will be left unturned. Police will look tirelessly and find the criminals behind this senseless act. “We cannot tolerate such levels of crime directed at anyone. I strongly condemn this killing in all ways; those responsible for this must be brought before the might of the law,” said Mayor Madlala.
