The founder of the Al-Noor Child and Youth Care Centre, which has been rocked by allegations of child abuse, was busted over the weekend.
Amiena Madien was arrested on fraud-related charges on Saturday evening and is being kept in custody by the Directorate or Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase, confirmed the charges against the manager and founder, who lives on the premises in Woodstock.
“Funds that were donated to the centre for the well-being of the children were allegedly pocketed by her. So the charges are pertaining to fraud,” he said.
The orphanage is currently under investigation over allegations of sexual and physical abuse of minors.
Seventeen children, aged eight to 16 years old, were removed from the orphanage by the Department of Social Development officials.
The department has since suspended the centre’s registration, pending the outcome of the investigation.
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Speaking on behalf of Al-Noor, Advocate Luvuyo Twalo said the facts of the case are still unclear.
“All we know as that my client is charged with a matter relating to fraud. We will appear in court this morning and from there we will figure out what is going on. For now, we have no details,” he said.
“For the other investigation (relating to the sexual and physical abuse of minors) we are still waiting on details.”
He said his clients deny any part in criminal activities.
“These allegations are malicious and unfounded as they have not yet been put to test,” added Twalo.
Madien appeared in Cape Town Magistrate's Court today.