After evading police for 8 years, police rearrest PAGAD member

CAPE TOWN - A wanted member of People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) has been re-arrested after evading police for eight years.

Fifty-two-year-old Faizel Felix absconded from court in 2016 while facing an illegal possession of a firearm charge.

Felix was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Monday before making a brief appearance in Wynberg Magistrate's Court.

Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said Felix was arrested in August 2015 for the illegal possession of a firearm.

Hani said at the time, Felix was apprehended by the City of Cape Town's Special Investigating Unit (SIU) before the matter was referred to the Hawks.

"Felix appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court for the illegal possession of a firearm; he was granted bail. He disappeared and never attended court again. His non-attendance led to the court issuing a warrant for his arrest and, subsequently, his arrest today."

The PAGAD member was allegedly also responsible for a motorbike bomb which exploded in front of the same court 25 years ago, but could not be prosecuted because all the state's witnesses linked to the case were murdered or disappeared.

Hani said Felix would remain in custody until he appears in court again on 17 July.