"My heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the family of Fayaaz Kazi whose brutal killers must be hunted down and brought to justice," Kasrils said in a statement.
"My deepest wishes and speedy recovery to uncle Ansaar Mahmood who was savagely injured in this criminal attack which carries with it the stench of Islamophobia.”
"May all South Africans unite to stop in its tracks the evil of racist and religious intolerance which is a threat to every South African regardless of creed, culture and colour," Kasrils said.
He offered his condolences to the family of the killed man, Muhammad Fayaaz Kazi.
Kazi was beaten to death in Magaliesburg, allegedly by two people who insulted him because of his beard, according to a family friend. The two men, whose identities are unknown, then fled the scene after the assault. North West police said a murder docket had been opened for Kazi's killing.
Kazi died in hospital at Potchefstroom. His funeral was held on Tuesday.
The Media Review Network, a Muslim advocacy group on human rights, called on Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to ensure a speedy investigation was undertaken.
Researcher Ibrahim Vawda said there was widespread anger across the Muslim community.
"We strongly urge all members of our community to exercise restraint and patience and to allow the normal process of the law to take its course."
No arrests yet
Police were "working around the clock" to track down the killers of Fayaaz Kazi in Magaliesburg in the North West this week.
So far, no arrests had been made in connection with the killing of 27-year-old Muhammad Fayaaz Kazi, said Brigadier Neville Malila on Friday.
The killing has resulted in an outpouring of condolences, outrage and calls for the alleged killers to be arrested by politicians and activists.
On Friday, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation condemned the "racist killing" of Kazi in a statement.
Foundation executive director Neeshan Balton said it was an example of racial hatred in South Africa.
"This cruel and inhumane incident stemmed from disrespect and loathing of others on the basis of their skin colour and religion," Balton said.
He said that while many onlookers urged the attack to stop, he said many present at the attack began heckling the two victims with religious and racial taunts, including local police officers.
"This abhorrent behaviour including those of local police units, certain reports show, allowed a man to die, and is detestable," Balton said.
Malila could not be reached for a response to Balton's allegations.
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Source: SAPA