While the Cape Town community is still reeling after the brutal death of Mamdouh Moustafa, known fondly as the ‘Cairo shwarma king’, very little is really known about the roots of the Egyptian expat. The 68 year old food trader was found dead in Epping on Friday evening. Police and family confirmed a fatal hijacking lead to his death at 9:30pm. Stab wounds to the face resulted in Moustafa’s untimely death.

Many knew the Cairo Shwarma King from his food truck at VOC’s annual festivals and many events in the city. Up-beat Egyptian music would penetrate through the streets as Moustafa danced his way while preparing shwarma after shwarma to long queues of loyal customers. His fast pace, from years of experience, kept customers entertained as they waited for their meals.

According to Moustafa’s brother-in law, Abdurrasheed Rossier, his ability to put a smile on the faces of everyone who visited his stall is attributed to his kind and generous nature.

“He made the best shwarmas ever. People often came to him for help and without even a thought he would always help them, without question. Some people even took advantage of that but it never discouraged him,” Rossier said.

Condolences and kind words from listeners have been streaming in since news of Moustafa’s death. However, very few knew Moustafa was a professor in Biology and chemistry. Rossier further explained how Moustafa came to establish his own roots in the Cape after driving through Africa from Egypt.

Moustafa reached Cape Town in 1994, after filming, photographing and teaching his way through countries like Zambia and Nigeria. Once in Cape Town, Moustafa needed a specific teaching certificate, recognised in SA, in order to continue in his path of teaching, one of his many passions.

Moustafa offered evening classes at Trafalgar high school instead and worked hard at establishing his own family business centred around his signature dish, the shwarma.

Moustafa leaves behind his wife Aisha and four children. Sadly, Moustafa’s son, Muhammed had been on holiday in Cairo at the time of his death.

“This still needs to sink in. We thank the community, friends and family for all their condolences and support during this tough time.”

Rossier appealed to the community to come forward and contact him if they have any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)