Durban – Halima Firoza Hoosen – the woman stabbed to death in her Glenmore home has been identified as a “supporter” of Palestine.
Two other people – a father and son – were wounded in the attack and hospitalised in critical condition.
The arrested suspect has allegedly confessed to the murder, saying he attacked the family because of their pro-Palestinian stance.
RELATED: Family Attacked In Their Glenmore Home, Woman Stabbed To Death, Father, Son Wounded – The Bulrushes
Reacting to the murder, #Africa4Palestine said: “We are profoundly saddened to learn of this atrocious and senseless attack on the family of four in Durban, South Africa”.
The rights body added: “The known perpetrator entered the home of the family on Sunday the second of June, stabbed to death the wife and beloved mother of two, wounding the husband and son and leaving the young teen daughter, who witnessed this barbaric act, with extreme trauma.
“We send our sincere and deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of the victims during this immensely difficult time of loss and suffering.
“In our hearts and prayers are the husband and son who are fighting for their lives in hospital.”
#Africa4Palestine said, working with the KZN Palestine Solidarity Forum and local Palestine solidarity organisations the rights body will continue offering support and comfort to the family and prayers for recovery for the wounded.
“This unspeakable event sheds light on the violent and aggressive nature of Israeli supporters in South Africa,” #Africa4Palestine.
“Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.”
T#Africa4Palestine said there have been several attacks on Palestinian demonstrators since the beginning of the Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza, documented in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg among others.
“These incidents are part of a failing and desperate attempt to violently silence pro-Palestinian voices in our country, muddy the waters of our peaceful and objective solidarity campaigns with Palestine and ultimately lead us to a violent altercation with the genocide supporters,” said #Africa4Palestine.
“Our unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause will not be deterred by these regrettable and unfortunate incidents of hate.
“In the wake of these heinous crimes, we call for calm and composure in our communities.
“We have faith in our legal justice system to swiftly deal with the prosecution of the perpetrator and give him a sentence befitting of the crime.”
The suspect is appearing at the Durban Magistrate’s Court tomorrow today, (Tuesday 4 June 2024).
Meanwhile, the South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP) has issued a statement in which it condemned “with our utmost horror the fatal attack on Halima Hoosen-Preston and her family in what appears to be an Islamophobic political attack in Durban”.
The statement added: “We are deeply angered and express our condolences to the family and loved ones and express our unwavering support with all who fight for freedom everywhere.
Many insist on fanning the flames of hatred amongst us.”
The SAJFP said “Zionist Israel” was committing genocide in Palestine, especially in Gaza.
Matters came to a head on October 7 last year when Hamas militants attacked Israel killed more than 1 200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages as they withdrew back into Gaza.
Since then, Israel has embarked on retaliatory attacks on Gaza killing more than 36 000 Palestinians, including over 15 000 children, in the relentless bombings.
Nearly twice as many Palestinians have been wounded and maimed.
However, Israel insists that it is defending itself and denies accusations of genocide, saying instead that its attacks on Gaza were aimed at rooting out Hamas terrorists hiding among the civilians.
“Israel claims that its genocide on Gaza is in the interests of Jews throughout the world, in order to defend a so-called ‘Jewish homeland’,” the SAJFP said, adding: “SAJFP denies this with all the force our words can carry.”
The International Court of Justice has ruled that it was “plausible” that Israel committed acts of genocide in its ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
“In love, solidarity, pain, and hope, we extend our deepest sympathies and care to the family of Halima Hoosen-Preston and to all who feel threatened,” the SAJFP said.
