The Mitchells Plain imam who allegedly conned mense out of their umrah money has started to pay it back.
On Monday, at least eight of his victims got some good news when they checked their bank balances.
Imam Fasiegh Adams 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 when Adams “cancelled” their trips.
He refused to reimburse the travellers - who paid between R18000 and R24000 each- but has seemingly changed his mind after the they laid charges against him.
Fasiegh Adams began to reimburse victims he scammed after they put their lawyers on him. File photo
On Tuesday, Narima Abrahams, 59, from Tafelsig said she was overwhelmed with happiness after Adams paid her back.
“I can confirm it is true. I did receive my money back yesterday (Monday),” she said.
Narima saved up for almost seven years and sold food at markets and from her home to raise the R24 000 for her holy journey to Mecca.
“He didn’t say anything to me. The money was just deposited into my sister’s account.
“I can also say we are six people who got their money back so far, the other people are still waiting,” Narima added.
HAPPY: Narima Hendricks got her R24k back. File photo
Moulana Ihsaan Abrahams, from the Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape, also confirmed that Adams had paid money to a couple from Joburg whom he had ripped off in 2018.
“He made a payment of R10 000 two years ago and a payment of R10 000 yesterday (Monday). He also committed himself to make monthly payments till the balance of R40 000 is
settled,” Abrahams said.
None of the Strand victims have received their monies yet.
“A special thanks to lawyer Fazloodien Abrahams from TNK Inc Attorneys and Conveyancers for his relentless efforts in support of the oppressed,” said Abrahams.
The Daily Voice contacted Adams yesterday but he refused to comment.
Meanwhile, the South African Travel Hajj & Umrah Operators Association (SATHUOA) says more needs to be done to protect
pilgrims.
It called for a national
discussion on the matter and said it will be having an indaba in April.
“We call on government, Islamic organisations, umrah operators (formal or informal), the legal fraternity and the public in general to attend this important indaba,” it said.
The indaba will take place on 18 April at the Country Manor in Boom Road, Phillippi.