MAKAHDO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Community members were once again caught up in the throes of sadness this week as news broke of the senseless murder of Pretoria businessman Mohamed Asif Ayob (20).

Louis Trichardt too did not escape the emotional devastation of this brutal and barbaric murder of a young man loved by many. Asif’s body was found early Monday morning at the Tarlton Race Track near Krugersdorp after he had disappeared last Wednesday. He had died from two gunshot wounds to the back of the head at close range. Two suspects, both businessmen from Laudium, were arrested in connection with the murder. One of the suspects is said to have been a close friend to Asif.

Spokesperson for the Ayob-family, well-known businessman Mr Solly Noor, was on Wednesday still visibly struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Father-in-law to Asif’s only brother, Zunaid Ayob from Kodak Express and Auto Express Fitment Centre in Louis Trichardt, Mr Noor said that incident has left the Ayob and Noor families devastated.

“Mohamed was a 20-year-old bubbly boy, full of life, playing squash every day and never missing his prayers. Kids loved him – everybody loved him,” Mr Noor said. All businesses within the Solly Noor Group were closed on Monday following the discovery of Asif’s body.

“The support has been unbelievable. The last five days, we’ve gone through hell,” Mr Noor said. He was one of the thousands of mourners who attended Asif’s funeral on Monday.

“We would like thank all the people from all over the country who have been with us daily and have supported us. Also we would like to thank Commissioner Naidoo, Leon Bennek and the entire SAPS team who were just wonderful from the start. Thank also to the entire media, from Highveld Radio, 702, e-TV and all the papers for their help. Thank you also to the people from Louis Trichardt who were at the funeral. We are very grateful,” Mr Noor said.