Innocent dad shot in head
SLAIN: Riega Hudien January, 46, was shot dead by assailants SLAIN: Riega Hudien January, 46, was shot dead by assailants
A family is grieving after a loving father was shot in the head by heartless skollies while he was walking to take personal documents and religious books to his daughter.
Dad of three, Riega Hudien January, 46, was killed by two suspects along Boekenhout and Figtree streets, Tafelsig, on Wednesday shortly after sunset.
The father, who was divorced and worked as a handyman at various schools in Mitchells Plain, had been robbed a month ago of his tools and ID in the Town Centre shopping mall.
On Wednesday night, Riega Hudien, who did not have an identity document after the robbery, decided to give all his personal documents to his 18-year-old daughter, Amaarah.
Family members say the man, who was also a devoted oupa of two grandchildren, had become very security conscious after his robbery and wanted to keep his documents safe.
He placed all his stuff in a crate but his brother-in-law, Marwaan Whisgary, 51, says that Riega Hudien never got to deliver the crate to his daughter.
Marwaan says the family is still in shock but had the honour of having a last supper with Riega Hudien on Wednesday.
SHOCK: Riega Hudien’s body is removed from the scene in Tafelsig after he was shot and killed
“We had supper with him and 30 minutes later I received the phone call that he had been shot,” explains Marwaan.
“He had a crate which had all of his personal documents in it, including a kitab for his daughter. He was walking when he was confronted by the first man, who was used to distract him. The second man came up behind him and just shot him. My brother didn’t even see it coming.”
Marwaan says they found the crate lying in the street next to Riega Hudien’s body.
He says nothing was taken from Riega Hudien and they have no idea why he was attacked as he was innocent.
“We still cannot believe he is gone.
“[Thursday] morning we had to get him a birth certificate to bury him.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirms: “A case of murder has been opened for investigation following a shooting incident that occurred on the corner of Figtree and Boekenhout streets.
“According to reports, a 46-year-old man was shot in his head by unknown suspects who are yet to be arrested.”
Anyone with more information about the incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.