Cape Town – PAGAD G-FORCE has issued a strong call to authorities to locate a key witness in the murder case of cousins Umar Majiet and Moegamat Tawfeeq Cummings. The case was provisionally withdrawn against the alleged killer last week, prompting outrage from the organisation.
The news was revealed on social media over the weekend, as the case returned to the Wynberg Regional Court last Tuesday.
Umar Majiet, 25, and Moegamat Tawfeeq Cummings, were both hafith (individuals who have memorised the Qur’an). They were fatally shot in what is believed to have been a hijacking in Hanover Park on 6 September 2023.
The tragic incident occurred in Lonedown Walk, where their silver Nissan Micra was found crashed into the fence of an old age home. The scene was filled with grief-stricken community members.
Umar was the son of well-known Sheikh Nabiel Majiet. His mother, Fazlin, revealed that he died just days before his wife was due to give birth. Tawfeeq’s mother, Zainab Majiet, said that at the time of the incident, he was driving his brother-in-law’s car. She added that Tawfeeq had begun studying the Qur’an at the age of 13 and completed his memorisation five years later.
The cousins' deaths sparked widespread grief and anger, with thousands of mourners attending their janazah (funeral prayer).
Following an investigation, police arrested Leroy "Keff" Houston. During his initial appearance at the Athlone Magistrates Court, he was informed that he faced two counts of murder and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.
The State prosecutor informed the court that Houston, along with an eyewitness, had obtained a lift from the cousins. Houston allegedly first shot Tawfeeq, who was driving, and then Umar. The prosecutor stated that the State would oppose Houston's release on bail. However, due to Houston's existing parole conditions, a bail application was not possible. It was also confirmed that Houston had handed himself over at Pollsmoor Prison.
Sadu Davids of PAGAD G-FORCE expressed dismay at the provisional withdrawal of the charges. "We are very disappointed that the charges have been withdrawn," Davids said.
It is understood that the charges have been provisionally withdrawn because the state witness could not be traced ahead of the trial.
Davids emphasised the urgency of finding the missing witness. "The detectives must go and trace this witness," Davids stated. "Two young innocent lives were lost and the next person that Keff kills, the blood will be on the hands of the state."
Davids stressed the severity of the crime. "We must never forgot this is double murder. Wives have become widows and children have lost their fathers," Davids said. "The detectives and tracing unit must do their work and find the State witness so the families can get justice."
The community now waits anxiously for news of progress in the search for the missing witness, hoping that justice will ultimately be served for Umar Majiet and Moegamat Tawfeeq Cummings.
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