Joburg businessman denies being involved in doctor’s murder

Mohammadh Sayed, the father of a 10-year-old boy who died after undergoing a medical procedure by Dr Abdulhay Munshi, has broken his silence following his murder, and has denied any links to it.

Munshi, an anaesthetist, was fatally shot multiple times in Norwood, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 16 September 2020.

He was laid to rest on Thursday, at Westpark Cemetery.

Sayed filed criminal charges against Munshi and his colleague Prof Peter Beale, accusing them of causing his son, Zayaan’s death. He died  at Netcare’s Park Lane Clinic in October last year, after his lung collapsed.

Mohammadh Sayed: Involvement claims are ‘speculative and sensationalist’

Sayed has responded to the speculation that he had an axe to grind and could have ordered the hit.

“The interferences sought to be drawn  in the media are irresponsible, reckless, speculative and sensationalist. Mohammadh Sayed denies any involvement in the crime and sincerely hopes that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice as soon as possible,” his lawyers said in a statement.

“He has instructed his legal team to engage with the investigating and prosecuting authorities on a regular basis in his endeavours to ensure that justice is not only achieved but also done in a legitimate and transparent manner in this matter.”

Regardless, Sayed’s legal team said it would still forge ahead with the legal action against the doctors.

“The investigation thus remains in the hands of the police and the National Prosecuting Authority. He has endeavoured to hold the doctors involved accountable, criminally and before the Health Professions Council of SA. This is to ensure that no other parent suffers the pain and anguish that he and other parents endured before,” the statement read.

According to reports, Beale is in hiding.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched an investigation and no suspects have been arrested yet.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could lead towards the apprehension of the suspect(s) is urged to report to the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111. Information may be provided anonymously,” said SAPS spokesperson Mathapelo Peters.

The medical fraternity has paid tribute to their fallen colleague and have also demanded justice.

“We could speculate, but there’s no evidence, and there are no facts… We do implore the SAPS to work urgently, tirelessly and to leave no stone unturned to bring the person or people responsible to book,” CEO of South African Society of Anaesthesiologists Natalie Zimmelman said on CapeTalk.