On Monday evening, Casim Desai, 72, his son Yusuf Desai, 45, and his grandson Muhammad Ilyaas, 17, were going to drop off Ahmed Saeed, a fellow worshipper, at his home in Richmond when their vehicle collided with another. Saeed lived about 3km from the family.
Mufti Zakariyya Desai, Desai senior’s nephew and a family spokesperson, said: “We lost three men from three different generations and they were good men. While we mourn for them, we take comfort in knowing that this happened during the holiest month for us and after their prayers.”“He was a gem of a person. If someone approached him for anything, he helped that person.
“My uncle always wanted us together for Eid. We were planning a get-together. While we will still gather together, it won’t be the same. We take comfort in knowing that they are in a better place enjoying the eternal bliss and bounties of paradise.” Moulana Ahmed Akoo, of Madressa Tarteelul Quraan in Pietermaritzburg, said the family was stalwarts in the community.
“They were not just known in Richmond but throughout Pietermaritzburg. This is a dull, dark and sad moment for all the people. During the lockdown, when families were battling financially, they offered donations and hampers to assist communities.”
Eish I feel swak for Saeed bhai
Sad
Condolonsces to the family 💔
This is such a tragedy. My condolences to the family.