Mourners Gather As Rehman Family Dismisses Self-Defence Claim In Emmarentia Road Rage Killing

Mourners gathered in their hundreds at a Johannesburg cemetery on Tuesday night as the family of Faisal ul Rehman rejected claims that his fatal shooting was an act of self-defence.

Grief quickly turned to frustration, with relatives insisting the 48-year-old father of two did not deserve to die following what began as a minor road incident in Emmarentia.

Emotional Scenes at Cemetery

The atmosphere at Westpark Cemetery was heavy with grief as family and friends stood in prayer around Rehman’s body. Wrapped in a white burial cloth and placed in an open casket, he lay at the front of the hall while mourners raised their hands in prayer and others wept quietly.

The gathering marked a painful farewell for a man described by loved ones as a provider and pillar of support, both in South Africa and abroad.

Deadly Road Rage Incident

Rehman was shot dead on Sunday afternoon after a minor collision between two vehicles on Barry Hertzog Avenue escalated into violence.

According to police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, tensions flared when a woman believed to be one of the drivers’ wives retrieved a firearm from a vehicle. The other motorist, who was also armed, then opened fire.

The shooting left Rehman dead, while his wife Tehseen was wounded in the hand and shoulder. The incident unfolded in front of the couple’s two young children, adding to the trauma surrounding the case.

Cellphone footage from the scene has since spread widely online, capturing the chaotic aftermath of the shooting.

Rehman Family Rejects Self-Defence Claims

Rehman’s family has strongly disputed suggestions that the shooting was justified.

His nephew, Muhammad Wasi Haider, said the alleged shooter had other options and did not need to use deadly force.

“Faisal did not point the firearm at him and start shooting,” he said. “That person could have avoided killing Faisal. He could have shot him anywhere else to disarm him. But he shot to kill him.”

Haider added that the family is determined to pursue justice.

“I definitely want justice to prevail. I’m going to pursue this to the fullest of my capacity,” he said.

NPA Decision Sparks Outrage

A 58-year-old man was arrested at the scene, but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will not prosecute for now, pending further investigation.

NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatole said the decision was taken after reviewing the available evidence.

The move has left the family distressed, particularly as Tehseen only learned of her husband’s death more than a day after the incident while recovering in hospital.

“She did not take it well,” Haider said, explaining that the family delayed telling her until it became necessary to make burial arrangements.

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Rehman, a Pretoria-based car dealer, was known for rebuilding and selling vehicles. According to his family, he supported more than 15 households in Pakistan through monthly remittances.

Haider described the emotional toll of collecting his uncle’s body from the mortuary.

“I consider myself a very smart person, but my brain is not working,” he said. “I went to his house and I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.”-SurgeZirc

Following the prayer service attended by hundreds, the family decided to repatriate Rehman’s body to Pakistan.

Mourners carried his casket out on their shoulders, marking the beginning of his final journey home — a heartbreaking end to a life cut short in an act of violence that continues to raise serious questions.