Johannesburg man alleges racial and religious threats during Norwood confrontation - IOL

A Johannesburg motorist has shared footage of a confrontation in Norwood, where he was allegedly subjected him to racial and religious slurs.

Abdur Rahamaan, 35, a content creator, formerly of Estcourt and now living in Johannesburg, said he made the video public to  highlight the racism and Islamophobia he was subjected to.

According to Rahamaan, the confrontation allegedly started while he was driving home and indicated to turn into his road.

He alleged that the driver of a white Porsche Cayenne GTS followed closely behind him, repeatedly hooting and flashing his lights.

He said he initially believed the driver was trying to get his attention because he was a content creator and occasionally recognised in public.

However, Rahamaan alleged that the interaction changed when he opened his car window after arriving at his driveway.

“The other driver started swearing at me, he threatened my life and that of my family, as well as all Muslims,” he alleged.

Rahamaan alleged the man used derogatory terms towards Indian Muslims.

“Saying ‘all you Indian Muslims must die, I will kill you and your family,’ while using the most derogatory slurs, I did not understand what was happening,” he alleged.

He said he initially thought the confrontation had been caused by a mistake he had made while driving.

“I thought I did not have my indicator on. But it was on even after I had stopped,” he said.

Rahamaan said he believed the confrontation was motivated by ‘racism and Islamophobia’.

According to Rahamaan, the man then drove away, prompting him to begin recording the car registration and encounter on his phone.

The footage subsequently showed a confrontation between the two men outside a building.

During the exchange, Rahamaan alleges that the elderly driver repeated a racial slur and made a reference to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

A second man eventually intervened and gestured for Rahamaan to leave, bringing the confrontation to an end.

Rahamaan rejected suggestions that his actions amounted to road rage, saying he deliberately tried to remain in control despite being angry.

He added that his public profile and business also influenced how he conducted himself.

“I drive a branded vehicle which has my business name on it, so I always act appropriately but I am also respectful,” he said.

Rahamaan acknowledged that he was angry and emotionally affected by the incident.

He said he was not afraid to follow the vehicle because he believed the situation was unlikely to become physical.

He said his intention in recording the encounter was to ensure there was a record of the alleged threats.

Rahamaan said he had subsequently been informed of the identity of the man, whom he claimed was a businessman.

He said legal steps were being considered in response to the alleged incident.

“My lawyer lodging a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission and I am opening a case of hate crime at the Norwood SAPS,” Rahamaan said.

“We are here to spread love and peace and harmony. We are not here to spread hate, racism and resentment.”

The video has since circulated widely on social media, prompting anger and debate among viewers.

Some users have expressed support for Rahamaan, while others have questioned aspects of the confrontation, including why he followed the other driver after the initial exchange.

He maintained that he intended to continue speaking about the incident.

Danny Mofsowitz, Gauteng chairperson of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), said they were appalled by the video, and called on all communities to prioritise to foster the multi-cultural ethos of the country.  

He said the SAJBD condemns the man’s use of language as well as his behaviour, and all forms of racism. 

“This is an isolated incident. There are some very good relationships between Jewish and Muslim communities in various fields, including business, professionals and interfaith. More recently, there are examples of cooperation between Jewish and Muslim places of worship.  

“Unfortunately, tensions in the Middle East have caused tension between the two communities, especially over the past three years, but we hope that foreign conflicts are not imported onto the streets of Norwood and South Africa, causing unnecessary hatred between fellow citizens,” Mofsowitz added.