Cape Town Travel Agency Owner Arrested Over Umrah Pilgrimage Fraud

In a significant development that has reverberated through the South African Muslim community, Shahied Davids, the owner of New Age Travel agency, was apprehended at Cape Town International Airport by Western Cape police following allegations of defrauding pilgrims who sought to perform the Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

The ordeal came to light after about 34 hopeful pilgrims found themselves abandoned at the airport back in December, carrying the heavy realization that their R50,000-plus investment into spiritual journey packages had vanished into thin air. Investigations into the incident revealed that the cost of their flights had not been covered by Davids' agency, despite the hefty payments.

Davids, 58, incidentally returned to South Africa from Doha on a Sunday evening, facing the wrath of the victims and their families awaiting his arrival in the international arrivals area. The confrontation, charged with emotion and a desperate plea for justice, was captured on video and rapidly spread across social media platforms, further amplifying the voice of the defrauded group.

The situation escalated as videos depict Davids attempting to leave amid the uproar, while being physically restrained and verbally accosted by the throng of affected individuals. At one point, tensions rise to the extent that a woman is seen attempting to hit Davids with her handbag.

The police had to step in to manage the crowd as tempers flared, subsequently arresting Davids on suspicion of theft under false pretense right after the public confrontation. Beyond failing to secure the pilgrims' airline tickets, the travel agency has been mired in controversy for not issuing due refunds.

Prior to the publicized altercation at the airport, Davids reportedly denied any misconduct, assuring that reimbursements would materialize by the end of January—a statement that has done little to dampen the outrage of affected travelers.

The unfortunate scenario is not unique, as TV talk show host and human rights advocate, Faizal Sayed, reminded the public via social media. Sayed called for support of the victims' cause but emphasized that actions taken against Davids should be within legal parameters. Sayed's appeal to the public to use legal avenues underscores the need for justice to prevent future fraud.

Ahmed Manzoor Shaik Emam, a member of the National Freedom Party, has been attuned to the growing complaints against Davids and hailed the arrest as a step forward. He narrated the airport incident, detailing the subsequent transfer of Davids from Grassy Park police station due to safety concerns and the confiscation of his passport to mitigate flight risk.

Emam also shared insights from his communication with Davids while the latter was abroad, indicating a lack of remorse from the accused. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the Commercial Crime unit is taking lead on investigations pertaining to Davids' alleged fraudulent activities.

The next phase of legal proceedings will see Davids brought before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court to face the charges officially levied against him, as victims await justice.