A Mitchells Plain couple accused of fraud after allegedly using more than R171,000 intended for underprivileged youth to fund personal travel has been granted bail in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.

Siraaj Miller (48) was granted bail of R3,000, while his wife, Shamira Miller (41), was granted bail of R1,000.

The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and National Priority Violent Crime units, assisted by Lentegeur Visible Policing officers, arrested the pair on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, after executing warrants of arrest.

According to Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi, the suspects applied to the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) between 2018 and 2020 for financial assistance to conduct Islamic studies and Qur’aan memorisation programmes for underprivileged youth.

“Both suspects were registered as directors of the South African Zakah Fund and subsequently received an amount of R171,350 in support of the underprivileged youth. The suspects allegedly used the funds for their travelling expenses instead.”

SANZAF has since denied the Hawks’ claim that the accused were directors of the organisation.

“SANZAF places on record that the individuals referred to in the message are not and have never been, directors of SANZAF. Any suggestion that they held such a position within SANZAF is incorrect. SANZAF further assures the public that all institutions and organisations considered for assistance undergo stringent vetting. In this matter, the application received went through the relevant internal assessment processes and supporting records are maintained,” SANZAF added.

 

Zakah (or Zakat) is a compulsory form of charitable giving in Islam. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and requires eligible Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth, typically 2.5% of qualifying savings and assets each year to help those in need.

The case has been postponed to 27 July 2026.