ALLEGATIONS of terrorism and Islamophobia have surfaced after an attempt was made to bomb the Musjidur Rahman (Durban North Mosque) during the early hours of last Monday.
A security guard saw a suspect placing the homemade explosive devices into shrubs at the entrance of the mosque property.
Security measures have now been heightened at the mosque, as police investigations are under way.
There had been objections from Durban North residents to the initial rezoning and application to build a mosque in the area, a few years ago.
Yusuf Desai, a trustee of the mosque, said an attempt had been made to plant and detonate a significant amount of explosive material at the mosque situated in Kenneth Kaunda Road on July 8, at about 12.45am.
“A security guard noticed a vehicle entering the mosque’s driveway and observed one of the occupants, an unidentified man, exiting the passenger side and placing an object into the shrubs near the entrance.
“Upon noticing the guard approaching, the individuals fled the scene. The guard promptly alerted mosque management, who contacted the police for further investigation. The package was found to contain a bomb and about 40 metres of detonation cable, which the police bomb squad successfully rendered safe and removed,” he said.
Desai said authorities were currently reviewing footage from the mosque and security company cameras.
“The mosque has heightened security measures, urging anyone with information on, or the motives behind the bombing attempt, or who may have been in the vicinity during the incident, to contact law enforcement or the mosque directly. Efforts to apprehend those responsible will be relentless and thorough.”
Desai said despite initial opposition to the mosque’s establishment, it had since become a symbol of community support. He said the mosque provided various services such as open-day programmes, social cohesion initiatives and humanitarian aid.
“The Muslim community’s contributions to Durban North’s economy and social fabric have significantly mitigated earlier misunderstandings and stereotypes. Therefore, this attempted act of terrorism underscores a grave concern of the Durban North community.
“This reprehensible act will not deter the Muslim community from practising their faith or engaging in dialogue with other faiths.
“The mosque remains open and welcomes visitors as usual,” he said.
Dr Faisal Suliman, chairperson of the South African Muslim Network (Samnet), said they were “disgusted” by the attempted bombing of the mosque.
“There were many objections from Durban North residents to the initial rezoning and application to build a mosque in the area.
“However, over the past few years, the mosque, through its contribution to the community, has dispelled many of the stereotypes, misconceptions and fears about Islam and Muslims.
“Furthermore, the mosque has held many open-day programmes and was the distribution centre of bread and milk during the July 2021 unrest.
“During water outages in the area, the mosque opens its borehole to the public and arranges for water tankers which park on its premises. It has led to many residents realising that their fears were misplaced,” he said.
Suliman said they believed that the alleged attempted bombing was due to Islamophobia.
“We hope that police and the intelligence services treat this case as a hate crime and an attempted terrorist attack, because that is what it was.
“Furthermore, having seen the type of explosive that was placed, it seems that it was a clear attempt to cause severe damage and perhaps it was to be detonated when worshippers arrived at the mosque, resulting in severe or fatal consequences,” he said.
Last Monday was the Islamic New Year.
In a statement, the executive committee of the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) said they were concerned about the alleged attempted bombing of the mosque.
“The fact that this attempt had potential to cause harm to persons and property at a place of worship makes it even more outrageous as a premeditated act of terror. It is an attempt that has hallmarks of Islamophobia and hate, which should be condemned by everyone.
“JUSA reiterates its appeal to all communities to affirm the preservation of the sanctity of worship. Mosques are such sacred places and sanctuaries for members of respective communities, for retreat and accord. Together with their surroundings, such sanctuaries should be kept as protected zones that remain safe at all times.”
Brigadier Jay Naicker, a provincial police spokesperson, said Greenwood Park police were investigating a case of illegal possession of explosives.
He said police bomb technicians confirmed them to be homemade explosive devices that consisted of commercial explosives.