Cape Town police arrested a Pagad member after he dodged justice for eight years. Consequently, Faizal Felix, 52, landed in custody in Wynberg on 14 July 2025, marking a major win for law enforcement in the Western Cape.
Hawks Nab Fugitive in Wynberg
The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) team captured Felix on Monday, acting on a 2016 warrant. Initially, police charged Felix with illegal firearm possession in August 2015 after the City of Cape Town’s Special Investigating Group arrested him. However, Felix absconded after securing bail, prompting a lengthy manhunt.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani announced the arrest, emphasizing Felix’s long evasion. Furthermore, this operation highlights police determination to tackle serious crime.
Court Appearance and Charges
Felix faced the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 14 July 2025, answering to illegal firearm possession charges. Meanwhile, his next court date awaits on 17 July 2025 at the Wynberg Regional Court, where he remains detained. His ties to People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) have drawn scrutiny.
Pagad, however, rejected Felix’s association post-arrest. A spokesperson argued that the Hawks’ label of Felix as a Pagad member damaged the group’s reputation, especially since Pagad aims to combat gang violence in Cape Town.
Crackdown on Crime in Cape Town
Police arrested the Pagad member as part of a broader push to curb violent crime in the Western Cape. The Hawks’ focus on Felix signals their resolve to pursue fugitives tied to organized crime. Consequently, authorities view this arrest as a step toward safer communities plagued by gang activity.
Ultimately, Felix’s capture sends a clear message: police remain relentless in pursuing justice, no matter the time elapsed.
