Shahid Davids (pictured) is accused of stealing money from tourists who were planning to go on a pilgrimage to Islam's holy site.
Wynberg Magistrates Court has refused bail for Umrah fraudster and New Travel Agency owner Shahid Davids.
Davids is accused of stealing from tourists who paid more than R50,000 to go on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Eric Ntabazarira said Mr Davies was refused bail after appearing in court on Friday.
News24 previously reported that pilgrims were left stranded at Cape Town Airport in December last year after David failed to pay for his flight ticket.
Read | Traveler stranded and heartbroken after suspicions that money needed for pilgrimage to holy site was stolen
Davids has maintained his innocence and said a “miscommunication” with the airline's ticketing agent led to the event, but sources told News24 that rumors about Davids have been circulating for a year about shady travel deals. He admitted that he was suspected of being involved.
He was arrested on January 15 at Cape Town Airport on suspicion of theft by false pretense.
The matter was adjourned to January 31st.
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