The notorious Mitchells Plain imam who allegedly conned people out of their umrah money has been arrested on unrelated charges.
On Friday, Fasiegh Adams was nabbed by Claremont police at the Cell C store in Cavendish Square and is facing charges of fraud.
It is alleged Adams had fraudulently opened several contracts with the cellular service provider but was lekker uitgevang and spent the weekend in the mang.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed Adams’ arrest.
“Be advised that a 56-year-old man was arrested on Friday at about 11.30am on a charge of fraud.
“He is due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday (today),” Van Wyk said.
BEHIND BARS: Fasiegh Adams allegedly opened fraudulent cell accounts at Cell C in Claremont
Adams made headlines after he was accused of scamming two tour groups from Mitchells Plain and Strand out of R1.3 million.
The pilgrims were supposed to leave for Mecca on 25 December but were left stranded after Adams “cancelled” their trips.
However, following intense media scrutiny and criminal charges being laid against him, Adams paid back six people last month with the promise of also reimbursing his other victims.
The lawyer representing the two groups, Fazloodien Abrahams from TNK Inc Attorneys and Conveyancers, on Sunday confirmed Adams’ arrest.
“For my own mental senses, I decided to go down to the Claremont police station and requested to confirm his arrest,” says Abrahams.
“I told the police we’re busy with our own fraud investigation.
“Upon venturing into the cells, his name was called, it was like he was running [towards me] with some sense of hope.
“As soon as he saw it was not his attorney but me, he did a 180-degree turn and with a smile, I nodded at him and the door closed. It was indeed Adams.
CONFIRM: Lawyer Fazloodien Abrahams
“I’m delighted he found himself in a place like that (police cells), he deserves it for what he has done to others.
“I am delighted to see the law taking its course.
“The charge of fraud is not related to the case we are investigating. He has gone and perpetrated another crime,” Abrahams adds.