MJC & Somali Embassy meet to cement ties after Malmesbury Mosque attack

This special and urgent meeting was convened by the MJC on Monday, 18 June 2018 at the MJC Chambers at 14:00.

Both parties categorically condemned the brutal killing that took place in the Malmesbury mosque on Thursday, 14 June 2018 and once again extends their sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved and affected families. We pray for the speedy recovery of those individuals who suffered injury.

The MJC reiterates its long-standing relationship with the Somali community and its leaders in South Africa. The MJC recognizes the role and invaluable contribution of the Somali community towards fellow South Africans and our economy. This community has integrated most wonderfully with the South African community. Many have become South African citizens.

The meeting agreed to meet on a regular basis and share information as far as possible and committed itself to foster greater social cohesion. His Excellency, Mr Jamal Mohamed Barrow, the Somali Ambassador to South Africa, encouraged all Somali to always contribute and work towards peace and prosperity in South Africa.

The meeting reconfirmed its commitment to moderation and peaceful coexistence. The MJC and the Somali community will fully cooperate with ALL relevant government authorities to serve the best interest of South Africa and its communities.

We still await the official reports from SAPS and HAWKS respectively. However, from the observations made by members of the Somali community, and those at the Malmesbury mosque, the perpetrator, Mr Noor Abdullah, was acting strangely and appeared to be mentally unstable.

Even though this attack was extremely tragic, it appears to be an isolated incident.

The MJC and the Somali community are ready to extend assistance to the bereaved families.  May Allah Almighty grant the victims the highest place in Paradise (Jannah), and put contentment in the hearts of the families, friends, and loved-ones.

MJC President: Shaykh Irafaan Abrahams

Somali Ambassador: His Excellency, Mr Jamal Mohamed Barrow

18 JUNE 2018/ 4 SHAWWĀL 1439H