Western Cape – Video footage circulating on various social media platforms depicts an enraged crowd eagerly awaiting the arrival of Shahied Davids from New Age SA Travel and Tours at Cape Town International Airport yesterday.
The moment he touched down in the international arrivals section, the mob turned aggressive, vehemently demanding reimbursement and justice for those he allegedly swindled, victims who had saved their hard-earned life savings for the promised Umrah pilgrimage.
Several weeks prior, over 30 pilgrims, anticipating their departure for the sacred journey, found themselves heartbreakingly stranded at the airport. Davids’ travel agency had allegedly deceived them, each losing more than R40 000 for flights and accommodation.
The pilgrims, who had devoted a lifetime to gathering the funds necessary to fulfil their dream of visiting the holiest Islamic sites, expressed anger toward Davids and his travel agency. Consequently, numerous charges have been filed against him, leading to his detention by the police upon his arrival at the airport.
Imraahn Mukaddam, CEO of Inspired Media Networks, characterises Davids as a repeat offender, citing his involvement in similar scandals in the past. While the arrest may not necessarily result in the restitution of the embezzled funds, prosecuting him is deemed necessary to prevent potential future offences.
“It’s about time that these fraudsters are brought to book, and we see justice with regard to [pilgrims] who have been done in over the years.”
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The Muslim Community Owes No Allegiance to Criminals
Despite our reluctance to acknowledge it, fraudulent activities related to Hajj and Umrah have persistently plagued the Muslim community. This issue has endured due to the sense of loyalty we feel toward each other as Muslims, even when such allegiance is sometimes misplaced.
Our religious beliefs and propensity to forgive and overlook transgressions have inadvertently allowed wrongdoers to emerge from within our community. These individuals exploit, extort, and take advantage of others, particularly in the context of fulfilling one of the most challenging pillars of Islam.
This is why Mukaddam asserts that the emotional, religious, and societal manipulation associated with such crimes must end.
Whether the wrongdoer is a travel agent, business partner, family member, or a religious leader and scholar engaged in criminal activities, they must be held accountable. As Muslims, we should not shy away from upholding integrity and exposing individuals involved in such activities.
