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The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Hitman jailed for life after attacking elderly couple on son-in-law's orders
Davis was handed two life sentences for a deadly stabbing and two attempted murders carried out at dawn, under orders from the victims' son-in-law. A Cape Town man has been sentenced to two life terms for killing an elderly man and attacking his wife during morning prayer, in a paid hit ordered by the couple's son-in-law. The High Court Western Cape Division handed Reagan Davis two life sentences and 15 years for the murder of 75-year-old Hashim Ahmed Dennis and the attempted murder of his 70-year-old wife, Kulsoem Dennis, and their daughter, Ibtisaam Dennis. The attackers targeted the couple while they were preparing for the sunrise prayer. Elderly couple targeted while preparing for sunrise prayers Davis, 35, stood trial alongside the elderly couple's son-in-law, Brent Williams. However, Williams died on 10 February 2025, just before the state closed its case. After Williams died, the trial continued against Davis. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that senior state prosecutor Advocate Evadne Kortje proved that the murder was a contract killing and Davis was paid R1 000, which he used to buy takkies. Kortje led evidence from 10 witnesses, which revealed that Williams and his wife, Ibtisaam Dennis, stayed with the elderly couple. ALSO READ: Western Cape police launch investigation after Mauritian killed in apparent hit Ntabazalila said the couple had two children and marital problems. 'Williams hired Davis and another man, unknown to the state, to invade and attack his in-laws to 'neutralise' his marital problems. At the time, the elderly couple stayed in a flatlet in the couple's yard,' Ntabazalila said. CCTV footage showed Williams travelling with the two co-perpetrators in his red maroon bakkie to the area of 6 Conifer Close in the early hours of 31 January 2019. The son-in-law dropped Davis and the other man off and drove off to wait until they finished the job. Son-in-law dropped perpetrators off near house Davis and the other man gained access to the house through the security gate, which was not forced open. Devout Muslim worshippers prepare for Fajr, or the sunrise prayer, at approximately four in the morning. Around the world, worshippers offer one of the five daily prayers of the Islamic faith. The taking of Wudu, which is the cleansing ritual required before praying, is the first step in each prayer. Ntabazalila said that while the elderly husband was busy with the cleansing ritual in the bathroom, his wife was seated on the bed reciting passages from the Holy Quran before they would pray Fajr at 4.30am that day. ALSO READ: Murder witness shot dead outside Lenasia Magistrate's Court The Dennis' normally open the sliding door of their flatlet so that their daughter or grandchildren could join the prayers or come in. Kulsoem Dennis heard the voice of an intruder asking where the money was in Afrikaans before brutally attacking her. The intruder struck the wife on the head, neck, and chest with a firearm. 'She chanted, 'Allahu-Akbar' (God is Great) until she hit the floor. Severely injured and in shock, she lay on the floor, pretending to be dead as her burga (headscarf) fell softly over her face and she kept her eyes closed,' Ntabazalila said. Wife pretended to be dead According to the NPA, the wife heard shoving noises as the attackers ransacked the room. They assaulted Hashim Ahmed Dennis as he stepped out of the bedroom. 'When it quieted down, she got up and found her husband on the floor, deceased, bleeding from various stab wounds. He had 15 stab wounds,' Ntabazalila said. The couple's daughter heard a noise and noticed a bright light from her parents' flatlet. When she went to investigate, she was met with a knife-wielding intruder who charged at her. ALSO READ: Five arrested after Mpumalanga police officer killed in apparent hit [UPDATE] Ibtisaam Dennis quickly turned around and closed the sliding door to the main house, saving herself and her two children. CCTV footage showed the two attackers sprinting back to Williams' vehicle, getting in the bakkie and driving away shortly after the attack. The daughter called the police and her sister as she discovered the home invasion and the attack on her parents. Ntabazalila said that the police investigation identified Williams as the mastermind behind the attacks. Williams was arrested on 20 May 2020. Mastermind behind attack was the son-in-law Police arrested Davis on 10 June 2020. He did not provide an alibi to the investigating officer. In aggravation of the sentence, Advocate Kortje argued that the murder was premeditated, executed with direct intent and excessive force, and committed in the context of a robbery and housebreaking. He described it as a contract killing orchestrated by the son-in-law. 'The attempted murder of Mrs Dennis involved sadistic violence against a vulnerable and elderly woman at peace during a prayer in the bedroom of her home,' Ntabazalila said. ALSO READ: Mother who allegedly hired hitmen to murder 'drug-addict' son remains behind bars The court sentenced Davis to: 15 years' direct imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, Life imprisonment for the attempted murder of the wife, 10 years for the attempted murder of the daughter, and Life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of the husband. It ordered the sentences of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted murder of Ibtisaam Dennis to run concurrently with the two life sentences. Two life sentences and 15 years The Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, praised the investigation and prosecution team's efforts to bring justice to the victims. 'It can never be overemphasised how important human life is, and the NPA will continue being vigorous in its pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,' Bell assured.
TimesLIVE
10 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Hitman jailed for brutal attack on elderly couple planned by son-in-law
A man who was paid R1,000 to kill an elderly couple as they prepared for Fajr — a sunrise prayer — has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the contract killing in Cape Town. Reagan Davis, 35, was handed two life sentences and 15 years' direct imprisonment by the Cape Town high court for the murder of 75-year-old Hashim Ahmed Dennis and attempted murder of his 70-year-old wife Kulsoem at home in Northpine, Brackenfell, on January 31 2020. Davis was a co-accused with the elderly couple's son-in-law Brent Williams — who died in February before the state closed its case. 'Senior state advocate Evadne Kortje proved the murder was a contract killing and the accused was paid R1,000, which he used to buy takkies,' said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila. Evidence was led by 10 witnesses which revealed Williams and his wife Ibtisaam Dennis, who lived with the elderly couple, had marital problems. Williams hired Davis and an unknown accomplice to invade and attack his in-laws to 'neutralise' his marital problems. Williams drove the hitmen to the property and they gained access via a security gate at about 4am and entered the couple's flatlet. '[Kulsoem Dennis] heard the voice of an intruder asking where the money was in Afrikaans before brutally attacking her. The intruder hit her on the head, neck and chest with a gun. She chanted, 'Allahu-Akbar' [God is Great] until she hit the floor. Severely injured and in shock, she lay on the floor, pretending to be dead as her [headscarf] fell softly over her face and she kept her eyes closed,' said Ntabazalila. Her husband was attacked as he came out the bathroom and died after being stabbed 15 times. Ibtisaam Dennis called the police, whose investigation confirmed her husband was the mastermind behind the attack.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Reagan Davids sentenced to life for contract killing of elderly couple in Cape Town
Hashim Dennis, 75, was preparing for prayers when his contract killers struck. Image: Supplied 'This court is mindful of the horrors which would have gone through the young minds of the two minor children and the gruesome events which will forever be etched in their memories.' These were the sentiments of Judge Gayaat Salie-Da Silva of the Western Cape High Court when she handed down two life sentences plus 15 years imprisonment to Reagan Davids for the brutal murder of 75-year-old Hashim Ahmed Dennis, and the attempted murder of his 70-year-old wife, Kulsoem Dennis. Davids faced charges of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder of Kulsoem, attempted murder of Ibtisaam Dennis, and premeditated murder of Hashim Ahmed. The main accused in the matter, Brent Williams, died on February 10 shortly before the conclusion of the murder trial. Williams was the son-in-law of the Muslim couple who were attacked in their Northpine home near Brackenfell, Cape Town. The elderly couple was getting ready for their morning prayer when the vicious attack occurred, and the now-widowed wife, Ibtisaam, barely survived the assault. According to details that emerged during the trial, Williams had arranged the contract hit to 'neutralise' his marital problems he had been experiencing with Ibtisaam. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the two life sentences would run concurrently. 'Senior State Advocate Evadne Kortje proved that the murder was a contract killing and the accused was paid R1,000, which he used to buy takkies. Advocate Kortje presented evidence from 10 witnesses, which revealed that Brent Williams and his wife, Ibtisaam Dennis, stayed with the elderly couple on 6 Conifer Close, Northpine, Brackenfell. 'The couple had two children and were experiencing marital problems. Brent Williams hired Davis and another man, unknown to the State, to invade and attack his in-laws to 'neutralise' his marital problems. At the time, the elderly couple stayed in a flatlet in the couple's yard,' said Ntabazalila. The court heard that in the early hours of January 31, 2020, Williams was observed through CCTV footage driving with the two co-perpetrators in his red maroon bakkie to the vicinity of 6 Conifer Close. He dropped them and drove off to wait until they finished the job. They gained access to the property through a security gate, which was not forced open. The early hours of the morning, around 4am, are the time the devout Muslim worshippers prepare for Fajr - a sunrise prayer. During the attack, Hashim suffered multiple stab wounds, while Kulsoem faked being dead after being hit on the head, neck, and chest with a gun before dropping to the floor, where her burka covered her face. Ibtisaam heard a noise and noticed the bright light from her parents' flatlet. She went to investigate and met a knife-wielding intruder who charged at her. She quickly turned around and closed the sliding door to the main house, saving herself and her two children. Moments after the attack, CCTV footage captured the two attackers running back to Williams, getting in the bakkie, then driving off. Judge Salie-Da Silva in judgment said: 'These offences are marked by exceptional brutality, targeting vulnerable elderly victims in a sanctified setting. The level of violence, disregard for human life, and the psychological terror inflicted upon the surviving victims and, so too, the surrounding community, warrant the imposition of a long period of direct imprisonment… 'The proverbial saying that fact is stranger than fiction is a startling and disturbing feature of the events which took place in the early morning hours of Friday, 31 January 2020, and at the home of the victims. This court is mindful of the horrors which would have gone through the young minds of the two minor children and the gruesome events which will forever be etched in their memories.' [email protected]
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Eid namaz barred at Srinagar's Jama Masjid, CM Omar Abdullah says, ‘learn to trust our people'
Authorities in Srinagar on Saturday did not allow Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah ground and the historic Jama Masjid in the old city. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, which manages the mosque, issued a statement saying, 'Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar,' reported news agency PTI. The release stated that the gates of the mosque were closed and police personnel were deployed outside. The statement further said that even the early morning Fajr prayers were not allowed. Chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment over the restrictions. Speaking to reporters, he said, 'While we are celebrating Eid, unfortunately, once again, permission was denied to offer namaz in Srinagar's iconic Jama Masjid. I don't know the basis of these decisions, but we need to learn to trust our people.' Referring to recent public solidarity, he said, 'These are the same people who came out to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack... The government should think about allowing namaz in the historic Jama Masjid.' 'I hope this Eid brings better days ahead for the Muslims of India and the world. I hope it brings peace and strengthens brotherhood.' the CM added. Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed he was placed under house arrest. In a post on X, he expressed strong criticism of the restrictions. 'Eid Mubarak! Yet again, Kashmir wakes up to the sad reality: no Eid prayers at Eidgah, and Jama Masjid locked down for the 7th straight year. I, too, have been detained at my home,' he wrote. 'In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray -- even on their most important religious occasion celebrated across the world!' he added. Taking a sharp dig at both the authorities and the ruling government, he said, 'What a shame on those who rule over us, and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again.'
United News of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Eid prayers 'not allowed' at historic Srinagar Eidgah, CM Omar criticizes move
Srinagar, June 7 (UNI) Authorities on Saturday disallowed Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in old city and also put Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said here. The managing committee of the Jamia mosque affairs said the authorities once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Eidgah Srinagar, as well as at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside. Traditionally, the congregational Eid prayers are offered at Eidgah. 'Even the Fajr prayers this morning were not permitted at Jama Masjid as the gates remained locked,' the statement said, adding' Miwaiz has also been placed under house arrest.' In a post on X, Mirwaiz who is also the Hurriyat chairman said it is for the seventh year in a row that Eid prayers were disallowed at Jamia. The Eid prayers have been barred at Jama Masjid and Eidgah by the authorities since 2019. 'Eid Mubarak! Yet again, Kashmir wakes up to the sad reality: no Eid prayers at Eidgah, and Jama Masjid locked down — for the 7th straight year. I too have been detained at my home,' Mirwaiz said. 'In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray — even on their most important religious occasion celebrated across the world! What a shame on those who rule over us, and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again,' he added. The authorities didn't respond to the claims made by the Anjuman. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was deeply concerned about the denial of Eid prayers at Jamia Masjid. He questioned the authority of those making this decision. 'I have no information on what basis such a decision is taken. But one day we will have to trust our people. They are the same people who after the April 22 (Pahalgam terror attack) came out and expressed their anger and condemned the act. …But today, once again, the Eid prayers were not allowed at historic Jamia …I feel that the government should think again at some point,' Omar told media in Srinagar. Meanwhile, the Eid prayers were held across the valley and the largest congregation was held at Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal lake. Officials said Eid prayers were held peacefully across Valley. UNI MJR PRS
