JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — CJ Small Jr., a city councilman from Mobile, Alabama, was shot in the face on Saturday while visiting South Africa on a business trip. He is currently in stable condition at a hospital in Johannesburg.
Small was shot during an ambush and robbery that occurred on a tour bus. The suspects took the cell phones of the passengers and injured Small and others in the process.
Early Monday morning, Small posted an optimistic message on his Facebook page stating “I had a small incident, but I’m doing fine. I will be back in the states this week. Thanks for all your concerns.” However, shortly after being posted, the message was taken down.
Many of Small’s coworkers have shown their support stateside via social media, expressing that their thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
“I encourage everyone to pray for his full and complete recovery,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with CJ’s family. We stand ready to assist them to ensure his safe return.”
His colleagues on the city council also released an official statement saying “We are relieved that Councilman Small is in stable condition and are praying for a speedy recovery.”
Small, who has been on Mobile’s council since 2012, also owns a funeral home and was in the country for the South African Funeral Director & Morticians Association Convention. He is the owner of Small’s Mortuary & Cremations Services which has locations in Mobile, Fairhope, and Theodore.
His family is currently working with the US Consulate in South Africa and the Secretary of State’s office to ensure a safe and secure return to the United States.
