Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety | Western Cape Government

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Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

14 June 2018

Malmesbury mosque attack condemned

Date: 14 June 2018

Release: Immediate

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent attack which occurred at a Malmesbury Mosque this morning which has seen two people brutally murdered and the suspect fatally shot by police.

My sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and Islamic community of Malmesbury for their loss.

I have been to the scene this morning, visited the families to convey my condolences and met with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) leadership to whom I have offered my full support.

Anton Bredell the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape also went to the scene of the incident this morning where he met with the community members.

Bredell who hails from Malmesbury expressed condolences on behalf of the greater Malmesbury community:

“This is a terrible tragedy and we want to reassure the members of the Muslim community in general and the Malmesbury mosque faithful in particular that the local community stands with them and we are available to help in any way we can where needed.” 

An investigation by the Hawks and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is already underway and I urge the community at large to support this probe so we may get to the bottom of this heinous act.

I will be asking the Provincial Commissioner to keep me updated on the investigation and will be asking my Department’s Watching Briefs unit to monitor the case.

The details of the attack are being investigated and though no possibility should be ruled out as yet, I urge the entire community and those reporting on the incident to allow the police to confirm the facts and not fall prey to fearmongering or false narratives which may increase religious intolerance.

Now is the time for calm and mourning. It is crucial we allow the authorities to do their work. Attacks like this have no place in a democratic country like ours.

Media Enquiries: 

Ewald Botha, Spokesperson – 079 694 1113