Residents of Laudium and surrounding areas are still reeling in shock, after news of the tragic death of Sabeir Ismail (66) spread, with hundreds of family members and friends gathering at the family home on Baard Road in Raslouw.
Sabeir (Bericks) a former Laudium resident & long serving Sheriff of the Court for Pretoria South West & acting Sheriff for Pretoria Central, was shot dead at the family Baard Road home (near Laudium) late Tuesday night (Dec 2). More shocking was the news that Sabeir’s son Azhar (35) who was recently also appointed Sheriff, was involved in the shooting of his father. It was shortly after midnight (Wed, Nov 3) that police, after questioning Azhar, arrested him on the charge of murder. As police escorted Azhar out of the family house, there were several shouts of threats made to Azhar, by family members. One of those, who apparently threatened to kill Azhar, was none other than Azhar’s cousin, attorney Yusuf (Joey) Ebrahim. Having one call to make from the Wierdabrug Police Station, Azhar called upcoming and charismatic attorney, Farouk Valjee. Farouk has been involved in many high profile cases, including defending Fatima Ismail who was arrested for the kidnapping of her husband Baboo Kaytex, with the charges subsequently being withdrawn.
Azhar appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates Court a day later (Thursday, Dec 4) and was released on R10k bail, with the case being postponed to 4 March, 2026. It is believed that Sabeir was shot at least 4 times, sustaining three wounds to his buttocks and one to his arm.
The Laudium Sun team spoke to both attorney & client at the court building after the bail hearing.
In his communication with the Laudium Sun and in response to questions posed to him, Azhar said that he enjoyed a good relationship with his dad, Sabeir and even trained with him last Sunday. When probed as to what then led to the shooting, Azhar told the Laudium Sun, “I was being attacked and assaulted and feared for my life as a result thereof. I had no intention of killing my dad, only to preserve my own life as a result of the attack on me.”
Concerning his relationship with his family members, Azhar said, “I have a mutual respectful relationship, including the normal trials that any family would in general experience.”
When asked what was his relationship with Joey, Azhar said, “My relationship with my aunty’s son Joey Ebrahim is strained for a numerous amount of reasons. I am extremely fearful for my life as he has threatened to kill me and promised to make good on it. He threatened me at the time of my arrest in open view of many people.”
When probed again about the shooting, Azhar told the Laudium Sun, “I had no intention to shoot my dad, only to preserve my life as it was in imminent danger at the time of the incident and I had a fear I was about to be killed. I am extremely traumatised and heartbroken by this incident. I am shattered as a son.”
Azhar confirmed that he had returned to the Baard Road home, where he has been living for some time now. The house is believed to belong to his late mum Hawa (nee Bhamjee), with both Azhar and his sister (who lives in Dubai), the beneficiaries. Sabeir was living with his current wife at the nearby Eldo Lakes Security Estate, but his funeral left from the same house where he was shot, the Baard Road home. It is believed that family members will now hold prayers at another home.
The Laudium Sun has reliably learnt that there was a dispute between father and son concerning certain trust funds. Concerning the soured relationship between Azhar and attorney Yusuf ((Joey) Ebrahim, a family friend told the Laudium Sun that Joey was allegedly upset with Sabeir and Azhar, as Sabeir apparently did not support his (Joey) application for Sheriff of the Pretoria South East area and instead punted for his son Azhar to get the position. Azhar was since appointed Sheriff from 1st of November. The Laudium Sun asked Joey to comment on the allegations, but at the time of going to press no response was received.
Attorney, Farouk Valjee, told the Laudium Sun, “As the legal representative for Mr. Azhar Ismail, we respectfully remind the community that he, like every person in our justice system, is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. This matter is now before the courts and the truth must be established through a fair, careful, and lawful process, not through speculation or public judgment. We ask the community to allow the legal process to unfold without prejudice or commentary that may compromise the integrity of the proceedings. Mr. Ismail has complied fully with all legal requirements and we are confident that the court will ultimately be guided by evidence, not emotion. We extend our condolences to the family during this difficult time and urge the public to maintain respect, restraint, and trust in the justice system as the case progresses.”
Sabeir was buried at the Laudium Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the skies opened up with a heavy downpour.