Al-Qalam 
The human rights organisation #Africa4Palestine joins fellow South Africans, Palestine solidarity activists in Durban and the broader global Palestine human rights advocacy community in mourning the untimely loss of a South African supporter of Palestine who died after a horrific stabbing attack by an Israeli supporter.
We are profoundly saddened to learn of this atrocious and senseless attack on the family of four in Durban, South Africa. The known perpetrator entered the home of the family on Sunday, 3rd 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 the hospital. #Africa4Palestine, working with the KZN Palestine Solidarity Forum and local Palestine solidarity organisations, 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. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. 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. 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 perpetrator has appeared in the Durban Magistrate court.
#Africa4Palestine considers this untimely death as one among tens of thousands of Palestinian martyrs who gave their lives to the Palestinian cause for freedom. In the words of revered South African freedom fighter Solomon Mahlangu, “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the fight, Aluta Continua”.
Alie Komape
Communications and Campaigns Manager
#Africa4Palestine
