From the news desk

Local rugby player killed at his home


A 35 year old man was stabbed to death at his home in Pontac Street in District Six on Wednesday after he was confronted by an intruder. Relatives say Ebrahim Ely was sleeping after working a nightshift when a man broke into his home and stabbed him at around midday. A scuffle then ensued.

“He put up a fight and hit back. At about 12.05 one of the neighbours heard the scuffle and the man ran out. They went into the house and found Ebrahim lying on the floor,” says his cousin Siraj Leggett.

His brother Shaheen Ely was too overcome with emotion to speak, trying to grapple with what happened whilst also planning his janaza at the same time.

Ely was employed by Iinet and in his spare time, was an amateur rugby player who played for SK Walmers and Milnerton rugby clubs. He was known to friends as “Ebi Robotic”.

“We were the eldest cousins as we were the first-born boys. We grew up together. He was very chilled…a really simple guy,” says Leggett, an educator at Trafalgar High school and closely involved in the community rugby fraternity.

“Everyone is standing around the house…you can literally feel that they have lost a very good friend. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Leggett says police are working hard to find the suspect.

“He [the suspect] will need to seek medical attention as he had a stab wound to his face. He was bleeding all over his t-shirt. So hopefully, he will be found soon.”

Ely leaves behind his wife and four young children.

Western Cape police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana says a case of murder is being investigated.

“A 35 year old man was found with a stab wound this afternoon at Zonnebloem. No one has been arrested at this stage,” she said.

Meanwhile, there was an outpouring of grief on social media after the news. Many friends and neighbours from his childhood days in Bokaap praised Ely’s impeccable character.

“Today we lost a gentle soul Ebrahim Ely. As kids we grew up In Bo-Kaap. You will forever be remembered as one of the most caring, helpful and most generous guy that walked the streets of Bokaap. May the Almighty grant you Jannatul Firdous and grant ease and Sabr in the hearts of your family, In Sha Allah Ameen,” wrote Wierzah Abrahams.

“You touched the hearts of so many of us and never expected anything in return. You put a smile on our faces with ur kind words and ur silly laugh. Your presence made a world a better place and no one could ask for a better friend than you.. To your family I make duah that they stay strong cos they didn’t just lose a husband a father a brother or a son but they lost some one that lit up their everyday. May Allah grant you the highest place in jannah Insha Allah. It was a privilege and an honor to know you Ebrahim Ely,” recalls Tasneem Williams.

“He was one of the gentlest, most caring souls I’ve ever met…he was so much more than just a friend, he was a brother…may he be elevated to the highest place in paradise,” said Achmad Taylor. 

“Today we lost a good friend. Will never forget you !!! I remember playing rugby with you and you always told me on the field before we started a game ‘Meezie leave the big guys for me someone’.  Youalways had your back on and off the field !! May Allah be with you cuz …. What I good friend to have around,” wrote Rameez Diedericks. VOC


4 comments

  1. As he’s neighbor, we are truly saddened by his passing. We make duah that Almighty Allah SWT grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdous Aameen, and grant his family sabr and ease the pain in their hearts, aameen! The District 6 community has lost a kind hearted and humble man. He will always be remembered as a true gem!

  2. Wow! This is so sad! My Condolences to his wife and kids, the rest of his Family and friends. May God be your Comforter in this time of grieve. Im speechless to that intruder!! And also angry! His stupidity is totally discuss by his actions, may he never have a peaceful sleep and go give himself up! God be with you All…

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