Cape Town - A popular Cape Town street food vendor fondly known as “The Egyptian Shawarma King” has been stabbed to death after being hijacked.
Mustapha Mantoor, 68, from Colorado Park was found dead in Epping on Friday night after he was apparently hijacked in Woodstock.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “At about 9.15pm police attended to a complaint of murder at Packer Avenue in Epping.
“According to information a 68-year-old man was found with stab wounds to his body. He died on the scene due to his injuries.
“A case of murder is under investigation. No one has been arrested at this stage.”
Colorado Park Community Policing Forum chairperson Mark Brookes said Mantoor was well known for his friendly demeanour and his murder came as shock to the community.
“He was known across the Cape Flats because he was always at all the festivals and the Mardi Gras.
“People knew him because he had this big smile while making the food and used to do this dance that made everyone laugh.
“It’s a big loss when someone that brings so much light into the world gets mowed down by crime,” he said.
Brookes said the residents in Alabama Street where Mantoor lived with his wife and son are planning a memorial. “He was driving a VW Golf, which has become quite a popular car for hijackers lately.
“We now have the whole area on high alert and have warned everyone to be extra careful,” Brookes said.
Tributes for the popular “Shawarma King” have been pouring in on Facebook. Ayesha Parker Esau said: “We all remember him for his jokes while waiting for that delicious shawarma! May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah! Ameen! Such a lovable man.”
Shariefa Williams Ruiters: “We always had a stall next to him… super sad he was fIrst in the queue every year when you had to book stalls.
Sadia Abdulaziz: “What a cruel world we live in!”
Lorraine du Toit: “One’s life means nothing today.”
Shaheema Larry: “Very sad indeed. Going to miss his singing and dancing while preparing food.”
Lorraine du Toit: “One is not safe in a taxi, a bus, on a train, or even walking.”
Mymoena Pillay: “We sit back and do nothing. The communities must stand up and take the gangsters on!”
Cape Times