A Pakistani national accused of killing a well-known barber, Bassat Ali, will make his second appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court today(November 3).
The 22-year-old, who is also a Pakistani national, was allegedly held captive, assaulted, and stabbed multiple times in the chest and back, at his home in Ajmer Road, Merebank on October 24.
Ali’s employer, Azeem Munawer, 41, who owns a number of salons in the Merebank Shopping Centre, was arrested by members of the Wentworth police on the same day.
Munawer appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on October 27, and was remanded into custody at Westville Prison.
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Wentworth police spokesperson, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said Ali was accused of stealing a large amount of cash.
He said officers from the Vispol unit received reports of a man being stabbed at about 19:40.
“Officers responded immediately to the scene. On arrival, they were informed that the victim had already been transported to the hospital and had succumbed to his injuries on arrival. Detectives arrested the suspect at about 22:40,” said Gumede.
While there have been tributes on social media and calls for justice for Ali.
Dawn Gounden, a long-time client, said she, like many others who would get their hair cut by Ali, was still reeling from shock.
“Bassat came to South Africa in search of a better life and gained the support of clients, both male and female, who he bonded with. He was a humble young man with a beautiful soul. His clients will remember him for his warm and friendly demeanor. Everybody received the same welcoming smile and greeting as soon as you walked through the door, no matter how busy he was.
“He loved to talk and joke with his clients. He was so proud that he was able to speak English fluently and because of this, he would strike up a conversation with everybody. He also took pride in his work and was commended by his clients. He was appreciated for his assistance and friendship. It is truly heartbreaking to hear of his sudden demise. He will be missed by many,” she said.
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Junaid Iqbal, the general secretary of the Pakistan South Africa Association Durban, said they condemned the brutal act of killing.
“It is believed he was held captive for between three to four days before his brutal murder. Our association is liaising with law enforcement to get the perpetrators brought to book. We will not leave any stone unturned to get justice for Bassat,” he said.
Gumede said police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
If you have any information, call 031 451 6240/41/42.
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