PAGAD distances itself from 'fugitive' Faizel Felix following arrest

People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) has distanced themselves from Faizel Felix, who was arrested by the Hawks for an eight year old illegal gun case, citing that he was expelled as a member and is part of G-Force.

Earlier this week, the Directorate of Priority Crimes Against the State announced the arrest of Felix who has been on the run since 2016.

Felix made an appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Monday and is expected back in the dock on Friday for a charge of an illegal possession of a firearm.

Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, said Felix, 52, as a member of Pagad, previously absconded from court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Haroon Orrie, Pagad’s deputy national co-ordinator, said the statement issued by the Hawks damaged their credibility and that Felix was no longer a member of their organisation.

We are certain that the Hawks, via their Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, are alive to the impact of their statement on the credibility and legitimacy of Pagad,” said Orrie.

“PAGAD strives to actively promote the eradication of gangsterism and drugs in affected communities. Over the past few weeks, the relevance of this work has become increasingly evident as communities across Cape Town are being threatened by gang violence related to the drug trade. The important role of PAGAD in gangsterism-plagued communities is increasingly clear.

"Regarding the blatant misrepresentation by the Hawks, Membership of PAGAD is restricted to persons who accept the principles, programmes and discipline of PAGAD.”

Orrie added that Felix was part of the splinter group, G-Force.

“We have, since 2015 to the present day, asserted categorically, and very publicly, that a group of former members of Pagad have been expelled from the organisation, due to their contravention of the objects, policies and discipline of Pagad.

They have formed a separate splinter group referring to themselves as the ‘G-Force’.

Faizel Felix is a member of this G-Force. He is not a member of Pagad.

“A simple fact check would have verified that the G-Force is not affiliated or related to Pagad.” ’They also called on the Hawks to rectify their statement.

G-Force’s media and communications office confirmed that Felix was a member and said he was not aware that he was wanted by authorities. “Once a G-Force member, always a member,” they said.

“He didn’t know (they) were looking for him, that’s why he gave himself up. “He came to his wife’s janaza two weeks ago and that is when the whole thing started. “He was living in Johannesburg at the time.”

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus