'Felix is not member of Pagad'

PEOPLE Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) has distanced itself 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 illegal possession of a firearm.

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

Haroon Orrie, Pagad’s deputy national coordinator, 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... 

“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, saying: “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... 

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

G-Force’s media and communications office confirmed that he was a member and said: “He didn’t know [they] were looking for him, that’s why he gave himself up…”