'Trigger-happy' lensman remembered in night vigil

Friends‚ family and community members have prayed for the return of photographer Shiraaz Mohamed‚ who disappeared in Syria a week ago.

Around 200 people gathered in the Lenasia South Community Hall on Wednesday evening to pray for Mohamed’s safe return after he was kidnapped by armed men while en route to the Turkish border.

The 38-year-old photojournalist has not been seen for just over a week.

Speaking at the memorial service‚ close friend Mazharuddin Rosenberg recalled Mohamed’s love for photography.

“He’s one of the (most) humble people that I’ve met along the way. A very caring person‚ invited me over many times to his home. But what has always caught my eye with Shiraaz – his camera was always with him‚” Rosenberg said.

“He was like a trigger-happy person‚ he would shoot at anything that moves. That’s how passionate he was with his camera.”

Rosenberg asked the community to contribute towards buying Mohamed “the best camera there is” upon his return.

Alon Skuy 

In a statement released yesterday‚ his family thanked South Africans for their support‚ but asked for their privacy to be respected.

“It is all becoming too overwhelming for myself and Shiraaz's family‚" his ex wife and friend Shirley Brijlal said.

"What do we say every time someone asks how we are doing? We are paralysed with worry and concern for Shiraaz. All we can do is hold on to our Creator and know that His will is being done to bring Shiraaz safely back to us."