A 29-year-old man from Delft, Mogamat Yusuf Daniels, was tragically shot and killed just one week before his wedding. Daniels had been preparing to marry the love of his life on 4 October, a date he carefully chose to coincide with his fiancé’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the new chapter he was about to begin, his family is now preparing for his funeral.
A Responsible Plan Turns Fatal
In the days leading up to his wedding, Daniels was determined to manage his expenses responsibly. Wanting to contribute towards the big day, he decided to sell his iPhone through Facebook Marketplace. On 24 September, he arranged to meet with supposed buyers at a petrol station in Ottery.
Two young women had contacted him through the platform, claiming that their father was interested in purchasing the phone. Daniels, who was with his fiancé earlier in the evening, dropped her off before heading to the meeting. Wanting to ensure safety, he picked up his cousin and the cousin’s young son to accompany him.
Initially, the meeting point was set at an Engen garage. However, once Daniels arrived, the women changed the location to a nearby shop, explaining that they needed to purchase something first. Trusting them, Daniels followed their instructions.
The Deadly Ambush
When they reached the shop, the women asked Daniels to unlock and synchronise the iPhone to prove its authenticity. At that moment, the situation turned sinister. A gunman appeared, pulled a firearm, and demanded that the group hand over their belongings. The assailant pointed the weapon directly at Daniels’ cousin’s son, escalating the fear and tension.
In the chaos that followed, Daniels was shot. Despite his injuries, he bravely returned fire with his licensed firearm, attempting to protect his loved ones. Sadly, his injuries proved fatal, and police officers who arrived on the scene later confirmed his death.
An 18-year-old male suspect was wounded in the leg during the exchange, while a 45-year-old male accomplice managed to escape unharmed. Police have since opened cases of murder and attempted murder as part of their ongoing investigation.
Family Left Shattered
The loss of Daniels has left his family and community in shock. His mother, who described him as her only son and a caring, consistent young man, was left deeply distraught. While driving to the mortuary, she could only speak about her son’s life and the tragic loss.
His uncle shared that Daniels had invited a large number of guests to his upcoming wedding, never imagining that he was unknowingly inviting them to his funeral instead.
His fiancé, who was with him just half an hour before the shooting, has been left devastated and speechless. What was meant to be the happiest week of her life has turned into an unimaginable nightmare.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Police confirmed that two women, aged 23 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the incident. A 34-year-old male suspect, who was injured during the attempted robbery, is currently under police guard in hospital. Authorities are continuing with their investigations to bring all those involved to justice.
The heartbreaking death of Mogamat Yusuf Daniels serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers associated with online marketplace transactions. For his family, however, the focus is not on warnings but on mourning the loss of a beloved son, fiancé, and friend whose life was cut short far too soon.
About the Author
