Police confirm suspected arson attack at Durban mosque

The building was gutted early on Monday morning following an arson attack in Durban, South Africa, according to the Effingham Islamic Society Trust.

The building was gutted early on Monday morning following an arson attack in Durban, South Africa, according to the Effingham Islamic Society Trust.

An Effingham Mosque, the Faizane Mariam Masjid in KwaZulu-Natal was petrol bombed at about 12.40am on Monday, according to a press statement released by the Effingham Islamic Society Trust.

“Faizane Mariam Masjid in Effingham Heights became the victim of an arson attack. The Masjid was set alight by arsonists resulting in significant fire damage,” read the statement.

Subrathie refused to speculate on who was responsible for the attack but acknowledged that there were incidents in the past which had prompted the mosque to hire a night-time security guard.

“There has been some unpleasant reports about incidents that have taken place; for example, our pastor’s tyres were found punctured and other minor vandalism incidents,” he said.

After yesterday’s attack, community members regularly passed by the mosque, some still in shock and others to show their support.