Latest news with #PeopleAgainstGangsterismandDrugs
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Faizel Felix rearrested after 8 years on the run
Faizel Felix remains in custody following his arrest and court appearance on 14 July 2025. A 52-year-old member of People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) who had evaded authorities for eight years was arrested in Wynberg on Monday. Faizel Felix appeared briefly in court on Monday, facing charges of illegal firearm possession. Felix was apprehended by the Hawks Crimes Against the State (Cats) team in the Western Cape on a warrant that had been outstanding since 2016, according to the Department of Justice, Crime Prevention and Security. Eight-year manhunt ends The department confirmed that 'Felix, has been on the run for the past 8 years' following his failure to appear in court after being granted bail in 2015. Felix's legal troubles began when he was initially arrested on 19 August 2015, by the Special Investigating Group for the City of Cape Town on charges of illegal possession of a firearm. The case was subsequently transferred to the Hawks for further investigation. ALSO READ: Elderly couple shot dead in parking lot of Rustenburg shopping centre Court appearance and bail jump Following his 2015 arrest, Felix appeared before the Wynberg Magistrate's Court where he was granted bail on the firearm possession charge. However, his compliance with the legal process was short-lived. 'Felix appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate court for the illegal possession of a firearm he was granted bail. He disappeared and never attended court again,' the department stated. His failure to return to court prompted judicial authorities to issue an arrest warrant, which remained active until his capture on Monday. ALSO READ: Shootings plague Cape Town after another five people gunned down Next court appearance Felix remains in custody following his arrest and court appearance on 14 July 2025. The Department of Justice confirmed that the case continues, with Felix scheduled to appear at the Wynberg Regional Court on 17 July 2025. READ NEXT: Tanzanian and Burundian nationals arrested in R54.3m drug bust in South Africa
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Activists detained in Egypt ahead of Gaza humanitarian march
The PAGAD delegation to Egypt was detained for 11 hours in Cairo, Egypt. Image: File A PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegation was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they made their way to the Global March to Gaza. They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid. National Coordinator Haroon Orrie was detained along with six others. PAGAD's spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: 'The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported. 'Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm, Egypt time. 'They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention. 'They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.' ANC regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation. 'We want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine. "But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.' GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: 'The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation PAGAD by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza. 'The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza. 'At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa. 'We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers."
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Activists from South Africa arrested in Egypt prior to Gaza march
The PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegate was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they were on the journey to the Global March to Gaza. Image: Pixabay The PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegate was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they were on the journey to the Global March to Gaza. They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid. Among those detained was National Coordinator Haroon Orrie and six others. PAGAD's spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: 'The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported. 'Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm Egypt time. 'They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention. 'They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The African National Congress (ANC) regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation. 'First, we want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine. "But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.' GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: 'The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza. 'The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza. 'At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa. These delegations meet freely with Israeli officials while ignoring the urgent calls of Palestinians for justice, an end to the occupation, and the lifting of the brutal siege. 'We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers. 'This dangerous double standard speaks volumes. It reveals how the principles of free movement, human rights, and international solidarity are selectively applied depending on who you support.'
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South African activists detained in Egypt before Gaza march
The PAGAD delegation to Egypt was detained for 11 hours in Cairo, Egypt. Image: File The PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegate was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they were on the journey to the Global March to Gaza. They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid. Among those detained was National Coordinator Haroon Orrie and six others. PAGAD's spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: 'The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported. 'Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm Egypt time. 'They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention. 'They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The African National Congress (ANC) regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation. 'First, we want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine. "But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.' GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: 'The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza. 'The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza. 'At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa. These delegations meet freely with Israeli officials while ignoring the urgent calls of Palestinians for justice, an end to the occupation, and the lifting of the brutal siege. 'We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers. 'This dangerous double standard speaks volumes. It reveals how the principles of free movement, human rights, and international solidarity are selectively applied depending on who you support.'
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
A spy's story – David Africa's book ‘Lives On The Line' thrills
The books was first pitched as a textbook or case study to law enforcement. David Africa is not your typical debut author. He's lived every moment in his book Lives On The Line even though it reads like a spy craft thriller. Between the pages, the story of how a handful of operatives dismantled one of South Africa's most dangerous and notorious urban terror organisations. Pagad, or People Against Gangsterism and Drugs, reigned in Cape Town with a vicious terror campaign just more than two decades ago. Who can ever forget the Planet Hollywood bombing 27 years ago or the bomb-proof public dustbins of the time, or the fear that blanketed the Mother City's streets? Covert operations The story tells of how a small, classified unit within crime intelligence built a covert, technical, and operationally agile capability and used its small capacity to shut down Pagad almost overnight. 'To the public, it looked like one day there were bombings, and the next day, nothing,' he said. 'What they didn't see was the six years it took to get to that point. Infiltration, surveillance, gadgets, and response capabilities. And none of it was common knowledge, and not even to most people inside crime intelligence.' ALSO READ: A book that tackles white supremacy, racism 'I actually started writing the book 23 years ago,' Africa said. 'But it was too soon. The subject was still sensitive. There were still security concerns, and some things weren't ready to be told.' When he finally sat down to finish it, his goal was to honour the people who worked in secret and draw lessons for the future of intelligence work. 'These were individuals who stopped a terrorist organisation that had created massive instability. They deserve recognition. And there's a lot in that experience that young intelligence officers today could still learn from.' Neutralising urban terror came for Africa when his career in espionage and counterintelligence was already in cruise mode. 'I grew up in Manenberg in the '70s and '80s,' he said. 'In 1985, when the national uprising broke out, I became politically active. By the time I was 17, I was recruited into the ANC underground. That's where I first got into intelligence work.' His early assignments involved identifying targets for sabotage and rooting out informants. 'We had to know who was real and who was working against us. That's how I learnt the basics. How to target intelligence, counterintelligence and I was trained by some of the most competent people in the struggle underground,' he said. The first officer to investigate Pagad Post-1994, the transition into state intelligence felt like a compromise. 'I sort of found myself, half reluctantly, in police crime intelligence,' he said. 'And that's where my involvement with Pagad began. I was the first intelligence officer in the country to start formally investigating them.' He said it was slow going getting traction and then momentum in the investigation. 'There was sabotage, incompetence, and a complete unwillingness by government to call Pagad what it was at the time. A terrorist group,' he said. 'It took years to build a response structure capable of dealing with them.' Eventually, that structure did more than just monitor threats. It dismantled them. 'By the end of 2000, we had the ability to shut down any planned attack in real time. And we did.' Lives On The Line, he added, was first pitched as a textbook or case study to law enforcement. Only later, after agencies pooh-poohed it, did it shape into a non-fiction novel, so to speak. 'It's non-fiction, but I didn't want it to be dry,' Africa said. 'I wanted something that's factual, but accessible. So, I wrote it creatively as something light, something enjoyable to read, even if the subject matter is dark.' More thrilling than Hollywood There are moments in Lives On The Line where reality blurs with fiction, and not because it's been dramatised, but because the real events are more thrilling than anything out of Hollywood. 'When I was in it, I didn't think of it in the sense of a spy movie,' he said. 'But when I wrote it down, I realised it reads like 007. And we had the apparatus. We had our own Q, M, the works. Only, we weren't drinking martinis. We were stopping bombs.' Africa feels that it is important to read the book. 'Because people saw the headlines, but they never got the full story,' he said. 'Even many professionals in intelligence didn't know what actually happened. This is the first real insider account. And it's written to bring history alive. However, not as propaganda, but as a contribution to understanding the craft.' Africa said that he believes intelligence work, if done right, can play a major role in building a safer society. 'Think of what 15 people achieved,' he said. 'Now imagine a few hundred like them, trained, capable, resourced properly. You'd transform crime intelligence entirely.' NOW READ: Joburg's Forgotten Movie Empire
