A Night of Tragedy: The Panorama Incident

3 mins read
panorama neighborhood home invasion

The peaceful neighborhood of Panorama was violently disrupted when 72-year-old Husain Mukadam was brutally murdered during a home invasion. The close-knit community was left in shock and grief, with Mukadam’s family enduring profound sorrow and bereavement. Despite being bound, Mukadam put up a heroic fight against his attackers, protecting his young grandchildren from harm. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of home security and safeguarding against potential criminals.

What Happened in the Panorama Incident?

Husain Mukadam, a 72-year-old resident of Panorama, was brutally murdered during a home invasion that occurred around 1am on a fateful Tuesday. His family was left in a state of profound sorrow and bereavement by the brutal incident. The perpetrators, three men whose identities remain unknown, broke into Mukadam’s residence on President Brand Crescent, transforming the peaceful home into a bone-chilling crime scene.

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A Violent Disruption of Peace

In the darkness of the night, serene Panorama neighborhood was violently jolted out of tranquility. An unexpected act of brutality left the close-knit community aghast, forever tainting its peaceful character. The victim of this dreadful act was Husain Mukadam, a 72-year-old resident of the community, whose murder has left a lasting impact on the hearts of his neighbors.

Mukadam met his untimely end during a horrific home invasion, which occurred around 1am on a fateful Tuesday. His family was left in a state of profound sorrow and bereavement by the brutal incident. The perpetrators, three men whose identities remain unknown, broke into Mukadam’s residence on President Brand Crescent, transforming the peaceful home into a bone-chilling crime scene.

Caught in a cruel situation, Mukadam and his wife found themselves defenseless against the savage criminals. The elderly couple was bound, and Mukadam was suffocated. His wife, despite also being tied up, miraculously lived through the dreadful ordeal.

A Son’s Account and A Father’s Heroic Act

Mustafa Mukadam, the couple’s son, revealed chilling details of the brutal invasion. He explained that the trespassers entered their home through an insecure part of the backyard, encroaching three yards before reaching their destination.

Contrary to initial speculations, Mukadam did not succumb to gunshot wounds. A grim struggle ensued instead. Mustafa found his father wrapped in bed sheets, bruised, and lying face down. His mother, bound with zip ties, managed to free herself after enduring five grueling hours on the floor, waiting for help to arrive.

In spite of the physical limitations from two hip replacements, Mukadam put up a heroic fight against his attackers. Mustafa praised his father’s admirable courage during the invasion and believes that Mukadam’s brave resistance protected his three young children from any further harm.

The Aftermath and The Community Support

The gravity of the loss and damage was revealed at dawn when Mustafa discovered his parents in a helpless state. The alarming scenario unfolded when Mukadam, typically punctual in his routine of taking his grandchildren to school, didn’t turn up. The robbers had stolen a TV and a TV box, but a complete list of stolen property remains unconfirmed.

The tragic incident has profoundly shocked Mukadam’s family and the community. However, the unity and resilience of the community are evident. Community members gathered to pay their last respect to Mukadam at his janaazah (funeral), held at the Masjid al Tuba in Panorama.

Ward Councillor Cheryl Visser extended her sympathies to the grieving family and community, pledging her commitment to achieve justice for the Mukadam family. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures for the community. Shakir Smith, Chairperson of the Parow Community Policing Forum, echoed Visser’s sentiments, urging residents to remain vigilant and secure their homes. Local police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed that the police are investigating the case as a murder and house robbery, and the exact cause of Mukadam’s death is yet to be determined.

The Stinging Reminder of Security

This harrowing incident serves as a stern warning about the necessity of safeguarding our homes against potential criminals. As the Panorama community mourns the loss of Mukadam, his memory persists as a powerful symbol of courage and human resilience.

What is the Panorama Incident?

The Panorama Incident refers to a brutal home invasion that occurred in the serene neighborhood of Panorama, resulting in the murder of 72-year-old Husain Mukadam.

What happened during the home invasion?

Three unknown men broke into Mukadam’s residence and bound him and his wife. Mukadam put up a heroic fight against the attackers, protecting his young grandchildren from harm. His wife managed to free herself after five hours of enduring the ordeal, while Mukadam tragically lost his life.

How did the community react to the incident?

The close-knit community was left in shock and grief, with Mukadam’s family enduring profound sorrow and bereavement. Community members gathered to pay their last respects to Mukadam at his funeral and expressed their support for the family. Local authorities and community policing forums also pledged their commitment to enhancing safety measures for the community.

What was stolen during the home invasion?

The robbers stole a TV and a TV box, but a complete list of stolen property remains unconfirmed. The exact cause of Mukadam’s death is yet to be determined by police investigations.

What is the importance of home security?

The Panorama Incident serves as a reminder of the importance of home security and safeguarding against potential criminals. It is essential to take precautionary measures to prevent break-ins and protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm.

Who were the perpetrators of the Panorama Incident?

The identities of the three men who committed the home invasion and murder remain unknown, and police investigations are ongoing.

Chloe de Kock is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from township braai joints to Constantia vineyards, for the Mail & Guardian and Eat Out. When she’s not interviewing grandmothers about secret bobotie recipes or tracking the impact of drought on winemakers, you’ll find her surfing the mellow breaks at Muizenberg—wetsuit zipped, notebook tucked into her backpack in case the next story floats by.

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