Isis trial durban Verulam mosque attack

(Twitter screenshot)

Verulam mosque attack: Local Imam believes it was terrorism

The community leader thinks that there was only a “religious motivation” behind the attack.

Isis trial durban Verulam mosque attack

(Twitter screenshot)

Though nothing has officially been confirmed by authorities, an Imam who was targeted during the Verulam mosque attack believes the crime has all the hallmarks of a terror-related incident.

Recounting his story to EWN, Imam Ali Nchinyane stated that the attackers made their intentions clear from the start. They apparently had no desire to take material goods and one exclaimed “I am going to kill you”, according to Ali.

“This was definitely a terrorist attack and they definitely had a religious motive. They weren’t robbers, they didn’t want goods or money, they strictly wanted to kill us. One of the suspects said that to me.”

“If I didn’t fight back, I’d have been dead. This was terrorism. I just hope and pray that the culprits are apprehended and dealt with justly.”

Verulam mosque attack: What we know so far

Hawks have told the media that there are “elements of extremism” involved in this case, but stopped short of deeming it a terrorist attack on Friday.

The frenzy left one person dead, and two severely injured as all victims had their throat slashed by the knife-wielding perpetrators.

Abbas Essop succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Thursday. It is understood he was a married man and a father of two children.

Imam Nchinyane also paid tribute to Essop, and recounted the bravery he showed when the Verulam mosque attack took place:

“Brother Abbas ran from across the street when he heard noises from the mosque. He came to help his fellow brothers who were being attacked.”

Who was Abbas Essop?

Abbas Essop was in his late 20s. He had entered the mosque to help after he heard screams coming from across the road. The library of the mosque was also petrol bombed during the attack.

Essop was laid to rest on Friday night, as the community rallied behind their Muslim members. Hundreds turned out to pay their respects.