Gaironiesa Foundation director Shaheed Stakala appeared before the Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday where his case was once again postponed to the 29th September.  Stakala does not have legal representation and told the court that he is currently seeking legal aid. Some affected mutamireen told VOC News that Stakala continued to show a  lack of remorse which they found appalling.

According to some of the affected mutamireen, Stakala had appeared as soon as the judge arrived at 9 o’clock in the morning to inform the court of his lack of legal representation. Before, Stakala was represented by Mr Sameer Vastra who has apparently been assisting Stakala temporarily.

There has been little to no update on the progress of the case as officials are still investigating the events leading up to Stakala’s arrest. While a number of mutamireen feel cheated, they say they are hopeful that this case will be transferred to the Bellville Commercial Court for further investigation.

Stakala is also expected to appear at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on the 24th September 2014. Stakala is currently released on bail and is residing in an unknown location due to claims of being threatened by angry mutamireen. Stakala is being investigated for fraud and theft under false pretences after he failed to provide umrah services to pilgrims who had paid for travel packages in full for last year’s December umrah season. VOC