‘CPF chair is corrupt’

RESIDENTS CLAIM HE’S WORKING WITH KNOWN CRIME KINGPIN Community wants Ipid to investigate Ebrahim Asvat, who denies all allegations.

Lenasia residents have accused their local Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Ebrahim Asvat of corruption and alleged involvement in illegal activities, including the spate of crime in the area last week.

In a message widely circulated on social media and also shared with The Citizen, the angry residents are calling on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to investigate Asvat.

In the message, the residents allege Asvat has been working with alleged Mozambican crime kingpin Faizal Charloos, who was arrested on Friday along with five other suspects, including his wife Sadyia.

During the police raids on houses in Lenasia, Lawley, Brackenhurst and Benoni – which are allegedly linked to Charloos and three of his alleged accomplices – police rescued kidnapped Gauteng businessman Luqman Kazi, 34. Officers also found and seized R6 million in cash, which is believed to be ransom paid on other kidnapping cases.

They also confiscated an unlicensed AK-47 rifle, ammunition, a hijacked VW Polo believed to be used in the kidnapping of Kazi, military-grade signal jammers and various vehicle registration number plates.

The Lenasia residents claim Ipid has been tipped off about Asvat’s alleged criminal activities.

“The tip-off is already with Ipid, which claims he has been seen driving his so-called acquaintance’s vehicle, a blue double cab bakkie with a Mozambican registration. It is also known that he loaned a vehicle from the same acquaintance for his son’s wedding, a Ford Mustang which is believed to be a hijacked vehicle,” the message reads.

“There are many claims that he also extorts foreign nationals from Bangladesh and Pakistan, and this has been reported to Ipid for further investigation into this corrupt chairman who is supposed to lead by example. Yes, Mr chairman, you are currently under investigation and your days are numbered. We are watching you and we are also tired of the many crimes you are implicated in.”

In response to The Citizen, Asvat said as the chair of the Lenasia CPF he has always respected his position and served the community with honesty and integrity for the past eight years.

“There are baseless rumours circulating on social media, regarding my ‘alleged’ involvement in the kidnapping saga that has posed a great threat to our community and society at large. I can categorically state that I have not done business with Faizel Charloos, nor do I have any involvement with the allegations he is facing,” Asvat said.

He said it was disrespectful and uncalled for to accuse the CPF with baseless allegations and cause chaos in the community for no reason. “I challenge any community member to come forward and meet with me at the Lenasia police station should they have any queries about my position and work,” he said.

Asvat said the Lenasia CPF executive committee will officially respond at a later date.

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There are baseless rumours on social media