A “dedicated” Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF) member, who worked as an e-hailing driver, was found stabbed to death and dumped in a stream at a park near his home in Whetstone, two days after he went missing.
Muzaffar Saib, 25, stopped all communication with his family after he left his girlfriend’s residence at 8pm on Monday night. His body was found by search teams on Wednesday with multiple stab wounds to his chest, back and neck.
Denzil Govender, spokesperson for Ground Zero Search and Rescue, said they joined the search on Tuesday.
“Saib left his girlfriend’s residence at around 8pm on Monday. He was supposed to meet his family at Hannaford Garage in Phoenix to assist in the recovery of a stolen vehicle, but he never showed up at the meeting point. Efforts were made to contact him on his cellphone. However, every attempt resulted in the call being redirected to voicemail,” said Govender.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Protection and Security, said Saib’s vehicle was found in Bhambayi. The registration plates had been removed.
“Community members, together with security partners, continued search operations and subsequently identified two persons of interest who had information about where Saib was. The two men were questioned at the last location of the vehicle, which was traced with the e-hailing app.
“This was a drug den in Shawham in Phoenix. The two men eventually led us to a stream at the park at the Rydalvale Grounds, where the Phoenix Charity Fair is usually held. His body was found with multiple stab wounds on his neck, back and chest. KZN VIP Emergency Medical Services paramedics assessed him. However, he showed no signs of life. The two men were taken by police and were expected to be placed under arrest,” Naidoo added.
Naidoo said Saib’s body was found about 200 metres away from his home.
He said the Phoenix crime fighting community was in mourning the loss.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Saib family, friends, and the wider Phoenix community. The loss of a dedicated crime fighter in such a brutal manner is a devastating blow to all who work tirelessly to keep communities safe. We did not just lose a friend. Saib was a true and selfless hero who always put others first.”
Shallcross CPF chairperson, Vish Mudaly, said Saib was more than a crime fighter.
“He was a brother, a protector, and a true servant of the community. His selflessness, courage, and dedication to keeping our communities safe will forever be remembered.”
Police had not confirmed if the two men who led the search teams to Saib’s body had been arrested.
Updates to follow.
THE POST
