Murad Ismail / Interlink in the Dock [Archive]

SebasW

27th Jun 2005, 11:27

Found this in afrikaans but maybe someone can post this in english for all to see...

BEELD
Baie vrae, maar dié operateur vlieg nog

Vrae word in lugvaartkringe gevra oor hoekom 'n operateur in dié bedryf wat reeds 'n rits beweerde onreëlmatighede agter sy naam het, steeds toegelaat word om ingevolge 'n staatskontrak vliegdienste aan BBP's en ander regeringslui te verskaf.

Dié operateur word verantwoordelik gehou daarvoor dat 211 polisie- en brandweermanne en amptenare van korrektiewe diens te nié meer eersdaags aan die wêreldpolisie-en-brandweerspele in Kanada kan deelneem nie omdat die vliegtuig waarmee hulle sou vlieg, die bemanning en die vliegmagtigings glo verdag is.

Dit is dieselfde operateur - InterLink Airways - wat in Januarie 'n vliegtuig vir mnr. Jacob Zuma, toe nog adjunkpresident, moes reël om oudpres. Nelson Mandela se seun se begrafnis by te woon.

Dié straler moes weens tegniese probleme op Waterkloof-lugmagbasis se aanloopbaan net voor opstyging en met Zuma reeds aan boord, noodremme aanslaan wat veroorsaak het dat drie van die bande gebars het.

Tydens 'n vergadering wat Donderdagoggend deur hooggeplaastes van die polisie by die Johannesburgse Lughawe gehou is om die jongste probleme te probeer bylê, het dit aan die lig gekom dat die bepaalde DC10-vliegtuig in Swaziland geregistreer was en glo nié oor 'n buitelandse operateurspermit beskik het nie.

Ghanese vlieëniers sou vir die vlug gebruik word, maar hulle was glo nie gesertifiseer vir dié soort vliegtuig nie.

'n Enkele Britse kaptein sou aan diens moes bly vir meer as 20 uur, wat die internasionale toelaatbare maksimum vliegtyd sou oorskry.

Geen oorvlieg- of landingsregte is glo vooraf vir die vlug verkry nie, wat beteken die vlug sou as onwettig gereken en landing by lughawens geweier kon word .

Die vliegtuig het glo ook nie klaring gehad om in Kanada te land nie. By nadere inspeksie het die burgerlugvaartowerheid (BLO) gevind dat die inspeksiedatum vir die lewensbaadjies op die vliegtuig lank reeds verval het.

In die lig van dié tekorte sou die vlug ingevolge BLO-regulasies onveilig gewees het.

Terwyl dié vergadering Donderdag aan die gang was, is daar glo ondanks die probleme probeer om die passasiers in te weeg en aan boord te laat gaan.

Die eienaar van die vliegtuig, wat nié vir die bemanning of die magtigings verantwoordelik was nie, het glo toe die verhuring van die vliegtuig teruggetrek.

Die vliegtuig is deur die depar temente van veiligheid en sekuriteit en van korrektiewe dienste aangelê vir die vlug. Woordvoerders van die polisie, korrektiewe dienste en die BLO het gister ondersoeke na die voorval bevestig. "

Just shows you how some companies operate!!!

Jangys

27th Jun 2005, 15:22

Apparently there was nothing wrong with the aircraft as such. The "operator" neglegted to submit his Foreign Operators Permit to SA CAA in time. The company that leased the aircraft to the operator is a well reputable company, in fact they pulled the plug on the "operator" when it came to light that the aircraft will depart JHB without all the relevant clearances and documentation in place.

The crew that was going to operate the flight was ex-Ghana Airways DC10-30 rated crew. The aircraft designated for this particular flight is a DC10-10. The "operator" knowingly wanted to use this crew, although huge differences exists between the two series aircraft.

Rumour has it that the ex-Ghana Airways crew was not current with Simulator, EPT, CRM, DG etc.

The flight was subsequently cancelled when the owner pulled the plug in realizing that all was not in order with the operators plans..

No notice was given to the Canadian Authorities of the flight, the "operator" merely stated that a overflight and landing clearance was not neccessary , a submittion of a flight plan was sufficient for a clearance.

On closer investigation of the owner, it was found that a clearance was neccessary, a long list of requirements needed to be submitted to the Canadian CAA for such an clearance. This application had to be submitted to the Canadian CAA 1 week prior to departure for approval.

In other words, these poor South African Police athetes would have been turned away just prior Canadian Airspace entry, or, maybe shot out the sky......

I sincerely hope a thorough investigation would be launched against this operator.

:{

Engineer

27th Jun 2005, 15:50

Must be one of these aircraft 3D-MRR,S or Q owned by a company called Executive Areo Space.

Can believe that the Ghana crew overlooked the little things like sim checks medicals etc. It is just a small thing guv :{

As for CRM not sure that has been invented on the West coast of Africa yet :(

Regards it be a -10 series aircraft, crew licence is annotated DC10 so can fly any variant

Ah Africa don't you just luv the place :ok:

napoleon

27th Jun 2005, 17:15

I hear load and clear that a one Murad Ismael was/is the operator in question!!!!!!!!!!! He wont have many friends rallying around after his infamous stint at CAA.

Atlanta-Driver

30th Jun 2005, 02:33

Just for the record: Differences between the DC10 -10 and -30 series aircraft are quite minor. Mainly being different wingspan, different start temperatures on the engines and different weights and no body gear on the -10. Operationally insignificant. Same type rating in most parts of the world ie one covers it all, even -40 series with P&W engines.

AD

cavortingcheetah

1st Jul 2005, 14:51

:= Still Bopping along then, is he, the funny little fellow?:hmm:

Kennytheking

1st Jul 2005, 18:21

Engineer,

Please note that these aircraft are not owned or operated by Executive Aerospace!

They are owned by a company called Global Aviation Leasing and were being chartered by a company called Interlink Airlines.

Our only link here is that we operate several of the DC9's owned by GAL.

Generally I feel that people are free to show their ignorance, but on a public forum such as this, you should get your facts right before making statements that could have a negative inference on a reputable company.

Regards

KTK

boomarang

1st Jul 2005, 19:39

Seems our intrepid ex-CAA inspector has become increasingly "Shaiky" of late. The Scopions recently Zumed and arrested him for bribery and corruption (15yrs min) in relation to the Navy flying. He is out on bail an scheduled to appear in court on 22 August 2005.

This saga of trying to fly the SAPS and Correctional Service teams to Canada is but the tip of the ice berg.

Not only did this flight not have a FOP, no clearance to enter Canada, Flight Crew who were not properly qualified, plans to exceed Flight and duty times, but .... listen to this...

Murad had the Swazi DCA issue himself with permission to serve as in flight relief crew on a DC10 when he admitted to the SAPS that he had not done a technical course (studied the notes he says) nor done any check ride. All this was issued on an Interlink letter head!!!

Worse yet, his Swazi ATPL now show him with a P1 for a DC10. And this from the man who wrote Louis Maloma's affidavit alledging ATPL exam fraud in 2000.

Rumour has it that it has become a bit too hot for that top cover from friends in the CAA and his AOC renewal may be under fire as they have discovered that his designated Safety Officer neither works for Interlink nor agreed to serve in this capacity.

Moreover, there is documentary proof floating about that the intrepid Murad flew a DC-9 on a Dept of Home Affair flight from Johannesburg-Lilongwe-Ndola-Luanda-Douala-Lagos-Accra in one day on 18 June 2005. Flight and duty time?? 18 hours plus for ex-CAA inspectors should be OK.

Does anyone know how he got a DC-9 rating on his South African license??

Things are getting shaikier by the day for our beloved inspector Ismail

Engineer

1st Jul 2005, 20:51

Kenny

Info taken from here (http://www.jetphotos.net/census/aircraft2.php?msnid=DC-10-46646) and cross checked here (http://www.taxiways.de/DC-10/index.html) under serial number 46646.

Kennytheking

1st Jul 2005, 21:37

Engineer,

It would seem that I owe you an apology.

That said, the data on the websites referred to appears to be inaccurate. We are not involved in these aircraft in anyway. I am not sure where they get their facts from. It would be interesting to actually see what is reflected in the Swaziland register.

To the best of my knowledge, they are owned by(but not operated by) a company called Global Aviation Leasing. We have been involved in a with them as we dry lease some of their DC9's.

Once again I do apologise and hope you understand that I have a keen interest in protecting the name of our company.

KTK

napoleon

2nd Jul 2005, 06:11

MURAD GOT HIS DC-9 RATING IN THE USA SOME TIME AGO TOGETHER WITH THE DC-9 OWNER. LETS HOPE THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW WILL CURB HIS GREED AND STUPIDITY

boomarang

2nd Jul 2005, 07:32

Doing a technical and sim course in the USA is not necessarily sufficient for an aircraft rating to be placed on your RSA pilot's license.

The CAA usually (for us lessor mortals) insist on a check ride by a CAA DE.

In this case, could the DE involved ( if there was indeed a check ride) step forward? Could we hear which ZS registered DC-9 was used?

Engineer

2nd Jul 2005, 11:40

Kenny not a prob ;)

If you have a web link to show who owns the aircraft let me know

Will be happy to e-mail the DC10 sites to update database :ok:

That is the good thing about a public site the correct info is highlighted. Good guys win and the cowboys are exposed :D

napoleon

2nd Jul 2005, 13:45

THE OWNERS OF THE DC-9 AND THE DC-10"s MENTIONED IN THIS POST ARE GLOBAL AIRCRAFT LEASING. I WOULD BE SUPPRISED IF THE CAA ALLOWED THE DC-9 TO BE PUT ON MURAD'S LICENSE WITHOUT A FLIGHT TEST AND ANY WAY THE OWNERS WOULD NOT BE PARTY TO ANY SKULLDUGGERY WHEN IT COMES TO BS LICENCED PILOTS FLYING THEIR AIRCRAFT.

Engineer

2nd Jul 2005, 14:46

Not sure about the DC9 but the DC10s are 3D registered so what authority do the RSA CAA have over licence holders? Apart from the mandatory checks to ensure that aircraft are operated within the ICAO rules

boomarang

2nd Jul 2005, 17:01

Engineer,

Interlink Airlines is a RSA registered operator who has been awarded a state tender to among others fly deportees to their countries, VIP flights, Navy target towing, etc.

The DC-9's in question is ZS registered. Hence the operation and crew should be the interest of the CAA. How else would Joe Public be assured about the safety of the operation and aircraft?

The DC-10's in question as 3D registered. But a FOP (Foreign Operators Permit) is required when they conduct business in/from South Africa. The CAA is involved in certifying the safety of the operation when an operator applies for the FOP.

As I recall, in terms of the International Air Services Regulations of 1994

Section 7: states that -

"An applicant who wishes to use an aircraft other than a RSA aircraft in providing an international air service shall ...satisfy the council that:

(d) the aircraft will be operated and maintained by staff who are in possession of licences or validations which in the opinion o the Commissioner for Civil Aviation comply with the standards prescribed in terms of the Aviation Act No. 74 of 1962"

In this instance the issuing authorization for Murad Ismail to conduct relief flight duties and stamping his Swazi license as having a P1 rating on a DC10, where he admits he never even took and passed a technical course, let alone a flight test, ought to be of interest to our CAA where flight with 211 RSA souls was scheduled to depart for Canada from FAJS with our interpid inspector Ismail on board as part of the flight crew.;)

SA Fred

2nd Jul 2005, 21:58

Since our law is such a mess (and enforcement so ridiculous that many laws are in danger of being abrogated) it is implicitly legal, and has been since 1974, to fly an aircraft as in flight relief without a type rating. Search "crediting of flight time" in the ANR 1974...

Still doesn't explain a P1 rating, but thats a matter for the Swazis...

Engineer

4th Jul 2005, 17:42

boomarang
Thanks looked on the SA CAA website (http://www.caa.co.za/) and it appears that if the aircraft has operators rights it is allowed to carry out intended business. Assuming no local operator objects to the operation.

With regards to the licence the crew need either a Swaziland licence or validation based on they international (Ghana SA UK etc) licence to fly and if that is issued complies with ICAO standards there is not much SA CAA can do.

However if the operational side is at fault then the big yard stick needs to be brought out ;)

But as SA Fred states with regards licence that is upto the Swazis. But I dont hold out much hope because as in many other parts of Africa money does the talking :ugh:

boomarang

5th Jul 2005, 13:49

You are correct to state that the crew of a Swazi registered aircraft needed to have their licences validated in terms of ICAO procedures..:ok:

The RSA CAA is oblidged to accept these IF THE ICAO PROCEDURES wrt validations and flight crew licensing were followed ;)

In this case you had DC10-30 crew licences validated for a DC10-10 operation on the morning they flew in from Ghana (for a flight scheduled to leave later that day). Guess no time for writing Swazi airlaw as is usual with validations and no matter that they are rated on different aircraft.:suspect:

Murad Ismal's license... well inflight relief authorization - on Interlink letterhead nogal. Guess that must be new for ICAO.:uhoh:

DC10 P1 rating without any need to pass a technical course let alone a flight test?? Now ICAO must certainly have rewritten their annexes to allow this one through. :ugh:

In the end, the operation had to take place on a RSA issued FOP which requires to the CAA to certify to the NDOT that the operation is safe and at least meets RSA standards.

Would not want to have the potential liability of the Commissioner to issue such a guarantee on the basis of the above, let alone the flight an duty considerations, no clearance into Canada and expired life vests. :\

Guess the scorpions must have more insight to the operations of Murad "Shaiky" Ismail that led them to arrest him for his flying on the state contract :mad:

Engineer

5th Jul 2005, 16:06

boomarang

Just to clarify a point the GCAA licence does not differentiate on aircraft variants. In fact on the licence the rating is stated as McDonnell Douglas DC10

As for the rest of your post it appears that some of the shadier characters are slowly making their way south :{

boomarang

6th Jul 2005, 19:26

I hear Interlink's finances must becoming increasingly dodgy as well, what with the need to refund the SAPS and Correctional Services their reported R3.5m already handed over to Murad "Shaiky" Ismail.

Who knows what the SAPS will still do about their other costs which was squandered through this episode, reported in the Beeld on 1 July as having totaled R10m!

Meanwhile he has to contend with the aircraft lessors, who if my understanding of the industry is correct, will demand anything between 100%-30% of their fee for a flight cancelled on the scheduled day of departure.

A DC-10 lease: FAJS-CYQB-FAJS for 2 weeks? must have been a decent amount of money involved.

Moreover, Interlink's cashcow, the Department of Home Affairs repatriation of illegals must vanishing into thin air, what with the same aircraft lessor withdrawing all their DC-9's from Interlink Operations, the resultant option of using much more expensive leased aircraft from Safair, not to mention the SAPS speaking to DHA about their experiences and Murad "Shaiky" Ismails arrest by the scorpions for fraud and corruption.

All in all not too rosy a picture for Interlink and we all know what follows financial strain in the aviation industry ... safety goes out the window, if it ever was a feature in Interlink's operations.

I wonder what the licensing council will have to say about this farce.:confused:

PNL

7th Jul 2005, 05:42

As a matter of interest, Swaziland are not ICAO compliant..... http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/media/iasaws.xls

BAKELA

11th Jul 2005, 18:26

As a matter of interest, Swaziland are not ICAO compliant..... Have not been for some years, to the best of my knowledge.

Boomerang, I have to concur with your knowlege of the (Air Services Licencing Council?) and the International Air Services Council. Fancy laws, fancy councils, fancy authorities, big...and fast dogs...no teeth. By choice I ask? :confused:

BTW, wasn't M. Ismail chucked out of the US a couple of years ago?

SebasW

11th Jul 2005, 20:28

Basically, if a company wants you to do a Swazi validation, their planning on cutting corners and you just might be signing your own death warrant.

Jangys

16th Jul 2005, 06:37

Heard Mr. "moerlaat" is now doing his deportation flights through SAFAIR...

I wonder if he is alo telling them how to run their operation. Maybe he can organise himself a P1 rating on a B737, so he can save a bit of money in hiring SAFAIR crew.

I believe there is also a lot of FDP scruteny, aftr each leg you can start a whole new duty period, well, erm....as heard from the bopping lad's own mouth.

:cool:

Whenwe

16th Jul 2005, 18:40

Murad had his DC9 rating test done by the late MB from CAA. At least that was legal!

spacedaddy

18th Jul 2005, 10:11

What AOC are the DC-10's attached to in order to be operated?

boomarang

19th Jul 2005, 02:00

Space Daddy

The DC10 in question is still on the Swazi register. Understand there are moves afoot in the CAA to process it onto the ZS register. Not known to be on any RSA AOC.

The way operators can operate it is to "wet lease" it for an operation, though this needs a Foreign Operators Permit - basically something issued if the Commissioner is satisfied that the aircraft is being operated to RSA standards and the licensing council is satisfied that it does not introduce unfair competition to RSA operators.

In this case, Interlink, A RSA operator was going to use a Swazi registered aircraft without a FOP, with crew who were not properly certified for the aircraft and changes to the LOPA which among others, meant the first class seats would have no emergency oxygen.

Yet Capt Moer Rat keeps on flying???

boomarang

19th Jul 2005, 21:03

How do we reconcile the responsibilities of the CAA with this record of someone who has just been self rated on a DC10??

"On 2 June 94 Ismail as Captain and Seabrooke as 1st officer were scheduled in a DHC-8 simulator at Flight Safety, Toronto with Norman James of Transport Canada to conduct a Pilot Proficiency Check .. and myself as an appointed Official Examiner of the RSA DCA to carry out a routine Istrument Rating renewal test. The test was terminated by Norman James and myself and considered a FAIL when after a general sub-standard performance Ismail lost control of the aircraft during an engine shut-down in stabalized, straight and level flight at cruising speed."

"There were no redeeming qualities in Ismail's flying at any stage. ... Basic instrument flying is well below standard with every poor control technique, lack of instrument scan and cross check. (it would seem he is mesmerized by the flight director). His ability to perform multiple tasks is below average."

"Ismail was given a further 3 hours with very little progress. In an attempt to salvage the situation yet another session of two hour were allocated at this stage (seven hours after the failed flight check). Ismail had not improved sufficiently to be recommended for a further try at the flight test"

"As Ismail had failed to reach and showed little promise in reaching the standards required by the SA Express, it was decided to CEASE TRAINING." - Graham Smith, Chief Pilot SA Express.

"As Captain Smith is an Approved Examiner, you are hereby notified that your instrument rating is no longer valid"- DCA 23 June 94.

"I have my doubts as to his ability to command an aircraft and crew. ...we have decided that Mr. Ismail will not be considered to advance to the DC9 and he will most definitely not be considered to perform flight training functions within Bop Air" - J. Boratlap, MD Bop Air

Don't hold your breath for action from the SACAA on this operator. Guess we will have to see what the SAPS throws at him and if he can shake off the Scorpions in court in August.

boomarang

25th Aug 2005, 09:47

Seems our dear Cpt Moer Rat is in deep Sh**

Carin Smith reports in the Beeld, 25 August 2005 from Cape Town

The Scorpions have arrested a man who allegedly tried to pull the wool over the eyes of the South African Navy. :cool:

Mr. Murad Allie Ismail, a businessman from Johannesburg and Interlink Airlines, which he is the CEO, appeared in the Wynberg Regional Court on 18 charges of fraud and 12 charges of corruption. :ok:

The Case arises out of services, which Interlink tendered and delivered to the South African Navy in Simonstown.

In terms of the tender contract, Interlink is to be paid R10, 950 per hour for the hire of a Lear Jet and R12, 200 per hour for a Raytheon Hawker jet. :uhoh:

The state alleges that Ismail had conspired with a member of the South African Navy to “load” the invoices and claimed money for hours, which had not been flown.

According to the charge sheet, this resulted in a loss of R1, 188,075 for the South African Navy.

Ismail is out on R20, 000 bail and proceedings are postponed to 12 October 2005. :E

The STAR staff reporter also reports in the STAR of 25 August 2005

A warrant officer in the South African Navy has been sentenced to six years in prison, wholly suspended, for helping Interlink Airlines and its CEO defraud the navy of R1.18m. :ooh:

Leon Burwise yesterday pleaded guilty to several charges of fraud and corruption before regional magistrate Awie Kotze. Kotze said he was hesitant to impose a suspended sentence, but said that the fact that Burwise’s guilty plea would assist the state in prosecuting Interlink and its CEO Murad Allie Ismail, was a mitigating factor, which counted in his favour.
:mad:

cavortingcheetah

25th Aug 2005, 13:14

;)

Mark my words well.
He of the cheesy grin may well be flying for BA shortly.
Twenty thousand rands? That's a decent dinner in London!:yuk:

boomarang

25th Aug 2005, 20:16

C.C. Is that a wager I read?

If I read what the magistrate had to say about W.O. Leon Burwise, I would safely bet on a jail term for our earstwhile Capt. Burwise got 6 years for his role but appears to have got it suspended because of his cooperation in the prosecution of Ismail.

Chances of conviction? Not exactly a nuclear science challenge for the scorpions, what with one guilty party already pleading guilty and probably turning state witness.

Flying for BA? well there may well be some time before the court proceedings are complete but I guess the BA management must have been alerted to the impending crisis after today's media stories.

If there is indeed a wager, what are the terms??

cavortingcheetah

26th Aug 2005, 05:37

:rolleyes:
But, for all that, I do wonder if BA would need his services either as a public relationist with Gate Gourmet whose servants have now, apparently, been accused, I believe, of grinding passengers' ice into grimy floors.
Perhaps he might get on the Karachi flights as a good will ambasssador?:D

Jangys

26th Aug 2005, 05:48

Some other Law suits also looming for our dear captain......Moerlaat.........:cool:

boomarang

26th Aug 2005, 20:30

Hear there is a whole lot of creditors quite nervous out there. :ugh:

Heard he has yet to pay his "Sub-Contractors" whose aircraft and crew he used for the Govt VIP flights. Nice whack outstanding! :\

He is reported to explain the media coverage as the work of his former boss the ex-Commissioner for Civil Aviation. Wonder what happened between them at the CAA? Seems ole Trevor still pulls some strings (at least in Moer Rat's head):confused:

Then there are those seeking to sue the living daylights of this abomination on the aviation scene, not to mention his "shareholders" who for some strange reason seem to have become somewhat disaffected with his way of running the business of late. :ugh:

Then there is the scorpions who reportedly are alledging bail condition violations ...:sad:

What more could there be in store for our dear Captain?
:{

boomarang

26th Aug 2005, 21:45

Let us not forget the SAPS and those 211 policemen/women and correctional services staff who were denied the opportunity to participate in their world games. ;)

I'd hate to think of what those sharp shooters and task team members aim at nowadays. :ooh:

That is some R3m plus owing to SAPS as well for services not rendered.:uhoh:

What next ... any takers?

Could we start a community chest barometer of money owed? :E

Jangys

29th Aug 2005, 06:03

SAPS hot on the heals of Moerlaat. Scorpions took away his passport, he is not allowed to leave the country. Must also report twice a week at the police station.

boomarang

29th Aug 2005, 16:08

What has Moer Rat done now to deserve his passport being taken away?

Seems like his bail conditions have been tightened. Must have become a bit of a "flight risk" for his persecutors to resort to these measures, what with all those creditors on his heels.:bored:

TAVLA Northbound

30th Aug 2005, 01:59

Is he still allowed to fly? I hope for the ATC's sake he isn't. He was just plain dof!

Jangys

31st Aug 2005, 08:08

Sources tell me he aslways use to pull his laptop out just after take off to complete his daily paperwork. The poor F/O had to do all the work untill landing.

boomarang

2nd Sep 2005, 15:25

Someone sent me this reference from the visdorpy down South, which frankly is a bit off my radar screen.

Seems a bit cheap for a LJ24, R10,950 per hour :confused:

There there is Burwise receiving R27,000 for R1.18 defrauded from the S.A. Navy - Pretty miserable percentage backhander for giving Moer Rat R1.18 of the SA Navy's loot and our tax money at that. :mad:

NAVY WARRANT OFFICER GETS SIX YEARS SUSPENDED FOR PART IN R1.18 FRAUD

By Fatima Schroeder

A warrant officer in the South African Navy has been sentenced to six years, wholly suspended, for helping Interlink Airlines and its CEO defraud the navy of R1.18 million. Leon Burwise yesterday pleaded guilty to several charges of fraud and corruption before Regional Magistrate Awie Kotze.

Kotze said he was hesitant to impose a suspended sentence, but said the fact that Burwise's guilty plea would assist the state in prosecuting Interlink and its CEO, Murad Allie Ismail, was a mitigating factor which counted in his favour. He said the state would not have been able to prosecute anyone else for the corruption if Burwise did not co-operate. He was also a first offender and showed remorse for his actions, Kotze said.

The fraud and corruption case against Ismail and Interlink is still pending and the trial is set down for March next year.

Burwise, now 48, is to testify for the state. Interlink had been awarded a navy contract for the rental of a high speed tracking aircraft - a Learjet 24DxR - at a rate of R10 950 an hour.

In his plea statement, Burwise - who dealt with civil aircraft hire contracts in the navy and verified claims lodged by Interlink - admitted that Interlink had submitted invoices to him in which the number of hours specified had been increased.

He admitted that he certified the invoices to be correct and personally received R27 000 for his efforts. Interlink over-billed the navy by 112 hours, estimated to have a value of R1.18m. The court accepted Burwise's guilty plea and sentenced him to four years in prison, wholly suspended for four years on condition that he was not convicted of similar offences during that period.

He received a further two- years, suspended, on condition that he testified against Ismail and Interlink and that he did not deviate from his statement "without good cause shown".

Burwise is still in the navy.

Published in the Cape Times on August 25, 2005.

cavortingcheetah

2nd Sep 2005, 16:50

:(

boomerang.
I fear that it rather looks as though, had I made a wager, I might be one tep closer to collecting that Cobra beer. Little satisfaction in that, I fear.:ouch:

boomarang

2nd Sep 2005, 19:14

C.C.

I would never have thought that I would be betting on anything to do with Moer Rat.

In this case me thinks the odds are seriously slanted against him going to BA in the near future.

More likely "go straight to jail,
Do not pass Go,
Do not collect $200" :O

The gaunlet has been dropped. :}

So state your terms.:ok:

cavortingcheetah

3rd Sep 2005, 07:12

;)

Hello there!

I have to agree with you about the BA slant although I reckon he'll slide through without a spell behind bars. That little grin can certainly tug upon the heart strings. He just keeps boomeranging back.:p

I'll not take a wager on the life and times of Murad. I couldn't believe it some years ago when I went to DCA/Pretoria to renew my licence and there he was, ensconced in his very own office with a couple of others of his ilk, sotto voce and all. It very embarassing for him and I sometimes wondered why until this thread would its way onto these illustrious pages.:hmm:

BAKELA

3rd Sep 2005, 20:32

NAVY WARRANT OFFICER GETS SIX YEARS SUSPENDED FOR PART IN R1.18 FRAUD A bit heavy for one rand eighteen (19 US cents!) I would say!

boomarang

3rd Sep 2005, 22:06

Bakela -

You've got a point. Spotted some shoddy copy.

The actual amount defrauded was R1.18m from the SA Navy. That makes the R27, 000 Leon Burwise got out of the deal a mere 2.3% kickback. Pretty cheap for dishing out our (taxpayers)money to Moer Rat! :\

C.C.

Not sure I am hearing a wager on the "do not pass Go". :E

I am not a legal eagle, but when you have a crime which takes two to tango (corruption) and the one criminal confesses, with ample documentation to prove the crime took place, seems that conviction is highly likely. :ok:

Does it mean "Go to jail"? Well reading the presiding magistrate's comments on Leon when he sentenced him to a suspended sentence (apparently because he is cooperating in prosecuting Moer Rat), my hunch is that this magistrate wants to send fraudsters and those who corrupt state officials to jail, i.e. further suspended sentences are very unlikely. ;)

His pleas of being a Black Pilot/ BEE company is likely to fall on deaf ears.

As for Moer Rat's DCA/CAA history ... well that's another story.

How someone who failed a sim check ride by losing control of a Dash 8 in level flight when the instructor pulled an engine could go to become a CAA appointed A1 DE remains a mystery.

I am sure many at the CAA and Ex-CAA types could fill us in more.

I heard that they refused to give him command on the CAA jets for the longest time (despite his claims of racism).

I also heard that he had his Officer badge/status pulled by the then Commissioner for among others flying an un airworthy aircraft loaded with tourists (which the CAA subsequently grounded when ther pilots refused to fly the aircraft back to base).

Come on C.C. put something on the table. Times are lean.

:}

cavortingcheetah

4th Sep 2005, 06:59

;) Boomerang.

I don't bet. Times are lean in many places and the transportation costs for multi limbed elephants can be prohibitive.
However, were I a betting man, I would wager that little old M will walk away from this pickle jar without a jail sentence.
I can't quite remember his age but he must be around the early forties? I would expect therefore to hear more of him in aviation, probably outside of South African shores.
I well remember his endearing habit of jabbing furiously at any engine gauge needle fluctuation and then, having riveted the attention of the front row passenger on what was always a normal needle wibble, turning around in his seat and grinning benignly at them. That's why we started putting the Sun City hookers in the jump seat, so that he couldn't be seen from the cockpit.
There you are. We turned his trick to our advantage.:E

alwaysinverted

4th Sep 2005, 08:37

Murad comes from a wealthy family. A family that used to support the SA Government during the times of sanctions, and his family was in a position to source many pieces of essential equipment, though clandestine, and Murad's appointment to the DCA, DE and everything else came as payback for good services rendered.

In actual fact, I know of a couple more pilots (one a civilian who was appointed in the SA Police Airwing some years ago) also as payback time.

CC, I remember Murad's smile and his habits very well. Sitting in the FO seat of the 748 going to FAPN. Capt. R. B. did'nt exactly like flying with the dude, and neither was he a favourite of "ol Capt. W.C. (ret SAA 747)

It is indeed true that he was always the co pilot on the CAA Jet. But then again, the Capt on the DCA jet hogged it, treated it as his own, and did not like anyone flying "his" bird. Only RRR was occasionally allowed into the boss' seat because he was after all the Chief Damager of Flight OPerations at the DCA at the time.

To date, Murad has had a colorful aviation career. It all worked pretty good for him until recently. He started screwing his mates by issueing financial instruments and then stopping them. So one friendship also came to an end on the East side of JIA.

I'm still wondering what motivated this change of personality though. I detected a huge change in him when he was busy trying to nail Trevor. He became a real nasty piece!

Well, the wheel have certainly turned. Whaddayasay Trevor? "Every dog has his day huh?":confused:

This whole saga looks like jail time for Murad, unless of course the boy pulls "anudder trick or two an all":ok:

boomarang

4th Sep 2005, 21:27

C.C. & Alwaysinverted

Its amazing how consistent the stories of his flying @ Bop are and continue today.

Heard reports of many a go around to due unstable hot and high approaches and seized brakes when the parks are set after some heavy braking in DC-9's (when they still leased them to him).

Been burning quite a few bridges of late, some of which are going to cost him dearly. Not sure this is a characteristic which only emerged after his go at Trevor/ ex-Commissioner. Some abuse he handed out to cabin and ground crew remain well documented is some of our files. Even Borslap commented on his unsavory character to the DCA when he stated that Moer Rat was highly questionable command material and would never be let near their DC-9 conversion programme.

Not sure what old Trevor would say about all this, have not seen the old "CAA CHIEF" posts on pprune in quite a while. But then life's nothing about a circle isn't it.

Interesting comment on the family links. Maybe that's why so much of his flight training was paid by the then Dept. of Transport.

C.C. Is that just golden heart or do you know something we do not know about Moer Rat being able to reinvent himself into a Houdini when it comes to our penitentiary system? By the way I will settle for a case of the elephants tusks from Nairobbery.:ok:

What kind of business was his family in anyway? Nuclear plant development?

Moer Rat turned 40 early Feb this year. What with the mandatory 15 years for corruption (see Sabhir Shaik case), he could be 55 on release. Guess a few years of flying left if the check ride is not conducted by Flight Safety as was the case in Canada.

cavortingcheetah

5th Sep 2005, 15:23

:D
What Ho boomerang!

Bop Air was his first airline job after instruction. I shudder to think what would have happened under the quiet gaze of the then chief pilot had mobile telephones been around and had Murad, as he would have, had access to one!

No, I have no inside information on the candidate in question. I just doubt that he'll end up in tronk.

I'm not too surprised at sagas of hot and high in a DC9. That was a favourite trick in the 748. No too serious at Mmabatho but rather less funny at harlots' hang out.
Good way to remember airfield designators is to attach scurrilous nomenclature to the field. ie: FAPN = Poxy Nooky. FAJS=Jovial Shags. Enough, before some wag comes up with LA=Lovely avocadoes?

alwaysinverted.

Enjoyed your post. It explained a lot. I remember WC well. Hope he still survives and prospers. Last flew with him on September 10th, 1988. He was gracious enough to operate the radios.
As I have said in another post. It was a lot of fun!:D

alwaysinverted

5th Sep 2005, 17:05

Just a quick one for you CC.

Ol Capt'n W.C. is alive and well. Still lives in the same place he's had for 50 years. The garage still looks like it looked 50 years ago, (huuricane swept) and he spends his time hanging out at the Springs Airfield as well as the Benoni/Brakpan field where he restores Navions. He also owns one himself. He's been a family friend for damn nearly 50 years. Still drinks copious amounts of beers, and I love listening to his flying stories from his old days. The Viscounts, 707's, 727's & 747's, and of course his time with Bop and Murad.

Coming to think of it, Murad was'nt such a bad ouk. He always had a smile on his dial, loved causing k@k, and found immense pleasure in irritating his Captain.

I don't know what went wrong! Maybe he wanted to become a tycoon.....;) and all you know!:ok:

cavortingcheetah

5th Sep 2005, 17:12

:)

Yes, now I remember the Navion. Was there not one called the Range Master? Greatest range of any single ever made?
Yes. Nothing wrong with old M in those days. Always a laugh, usually at his own expense.
Guess he just went money mad but it sounds as though he already had enough.
Catch you up sometime.
Regards to WC. He must be nearly my age by now!
Toodle Pip.
;)

Idle enquiry: Were you with Bop?

alwaysinverted

5th Sep 2005, 17:37

CC, There'd be something seriously wrong if you were WC's age!;) He's a good guy for sure. Just getting on in time now.

No I was not with Bop, but with Transkei Airways. Started with them in Sept 1981. Got to know all the guys though thru our mutual interest in the K......Bok. Got to know Murad thru RB.

TAC still stands as far as I know, and when I celebrate my 50 years in aviation sometime, I hope I can get a whole bunch of ol timers there for a few dops. The Harvard Cafe though, are the place these days. Rand is not the sameas what it used to be, but for me it will always be special. I think most of us ol timers spent many hours there in the 70's and early 80's.

R9.00 per hour with an instructor on C150 ZS-DZT in 1974. Petrol was 23cents a gallon, 19 cents for a packet of Lucky Strikes, 26cents for a beer, and R5.00 would have bought you 2 steaks and a bottle of Tassies.:ok:

Man, was it expensive to learn to fly.:D

cavortingcheetah

5th Sep 2005, 18:01

:) This gets more amusing by the moment.

I joined Transkei in April 1981. Was the only FO on the 748 for a longish while. If you were on XGD/XGB our paths might not have crossed. I'll bet they have though.
Can't quite figure out the RB connection. That would have been just a little coincidental pehaps? Given that my acronym was the ravishing Brit - in those days of course! Still true but most need convincing!
Anyway, you have the advantage of me, which is quite amusing from this far afield.
Yes, Rand certainly was the place, grubby as it was. Avex, Aeronav and all.
May just have to PM you to clarify idents sometime.
Cheerio for the nonce!
:D

boomarang

7th Sep 2005, 21:12

Anyone heard what happened to the threatened court proceedings from one of Moer Rat's (former) associates who had an Interlink financial instrument issued to them and then cancelled by Moer Rat - (a form of rubber cheque)?

Thought I heard it was coming to a head sometime this week. :confused:

MISSOURI

11th Sep 2005, 14:40

To Boomarrang.

I see that you are well informed as well, here is the info on capt Moer rat Is, leaked from the files of eirther the SA pilots association or SA CAA,

On the 16th January 1998 The esteemed capt Moer rat Is was called to the offices of the now defunct Intentensive Air, by its managing director a well know Dr of the heart,

Capt Moer rat Is and another capt also employed by the SA CAA at the time where asked to operate 2 HS748's on a charter from Jnb to George as the Chief pilot and a full time Real Capt and the Full time company Safety Officer , from Intensive had refused to operate the aircraft as they has serious safety defedts.
1. No Smoke goggles, only industrial grinding goggles in cockpit.
2. No Oxygen masks,
3. No Oxygen in aircraft, system reading 0
4. Smoke detectors in the Toilet bought at a hardware store.
5. All hand held Fire Extinguishers had expired and where
showing depleted, the dates had been scratched out and new
dates filled in.
6. No medical kits on Board.
7. 44 pax out of Johannesburg. (Aircraft not certified for apendix
E) therfore critically overweight for take off.
8. No Fire Gloves on Board only welding gloves
the list goes on and on

He operated the aircraft in this condition to Geoge Via Kimberley on the 17th of January 1988.
Senior members of the Airworthy department of the CAA then inspected the aircraft in George and grounded it only allowing it to return to Johannesburg un pressurised after much wailing from the Dr and how all the pilots and engineers would not be paid. However on arrival at Johannesburg the same capt Moer rat Is was prepared to carry out piolt training in this aircraft. tThe Aircraft was the grounded by the CAA for the above and other non compliance.

It appears that after all these years the Moer rat Is has not learned any thing, the attempted operation of the DC10 and the new expose of his operats is consistant if not any thing else.

I doubt that the rumors of his joining ba/ com wil come to naught as the MD there would never allow it during his tenure

ou Trek dronkie

11th Sep 2005, 21:47

The way I remember him, is that he was always pleasant up front, but you hoped he wasn’t going to ask you to borrow him ten Rands (that dates me).

Initially, I was one of those who was delighted to see a “non-white” promoted to a position in the DCA. Unfortunately, his conduct was embarrassing after that, even though (some of us) tried to help him. The rest is a matter of record.

oTd

boomarang

14th Sep 2005, 18:17

Mossouri

It is quite amazing what is coming out of the woodwork from the ex-DCA, ex-CAA and present CAA types. My e-mail inbox is never empty.

They all apppear to be carting around dossiers on each other, at least on Cpt. Moer Rat it woud seem. Would love to see the inside dope on old Trevor.

Here's a gem from the past from oom Rennie. How did Moer Rat survive this one? Can anyone get the "CAA CHIEF" to respond? Ref: CA2/P
Enq: R van Zyl

REPORT ON INITIAL FINDINGS: M. A. ISMAIL/ INTERLINK AIRLINES

1. After receipt of a complaint by Mr. Rusterholz dated 5 March 1999, you instructed to investigate the matter and submit a report to you with recommendations re further action.

2. A copy of the compliant was made available to Mr Ismail and he was asked to reply in writing to the allegations made therein.(annex A). He was also invited to discuss the issue with the Manager HR, Technical Advisor (TA) to the CEO and Legal Officer.

3. During a meeting convened in the office of the Technical Advisor to the CEO on 11 March 1999, Mr. Ismail tabled his answer in writing and a discussion was held on 11 March 1999. (annex B).

4. The findings that resulted from the above are as follows;

· Mr. Rusterholz is the alleged CEO of Interlink Airlines.
· Mr. Ismail s' wife is chairperson of the said company.
· Her occupation is oral hygienist.
· She gave Mr. Ismail full proxy to vote and handle all of her affairs in Interlink Airlines.
· It is clear that Mr. Ismail is extremely involved in the company and that he and Mr. Rusterholz are locked in a personal fight over control and financial issues pertaining to Interlink Airlines.
· The CAA has no interest in the personal conflict between the two gentlemen, except where such conflict results in bringing the CAA into disrepute and where involvement conflicts with CAA staff duties.
· Mr. Ismails' involvement in the company was only disclosed on 1 March 1999 although he was asked about outside interests during a prior meeting involving Intensive Air.
· Prima facie Mr. Ismails' activities constitute a conflict of interest.
· Further investigation revealed that Mr. Rusterholz does not have a Commercial license as he claimed. He is a Swiss national with a PPL. ( His track record does not look well on his pilot file.)
· Mr. Ismail opted to do an inspection of a company he is/was involved in during the end of last year . This was detected prior to the actual inspection.
· Attempts are being made to establish at the NDOT if Mr. Ismail took leave when he did certain flights to Namibia last year.

5. No decision was reached and Mr. Ismail was told that a report will be made to the CEO regarding further action.

6. It is therefore recommended for your consideration that:-

6.1 A LETTER OF WARNING BE ADDRESSED TO MR ISMIAL IN RESPECT OF ANY FURTHER ACTIONS RESULTING IN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH ACTIVITIES OF THE CAA; and

6.2 THAT IT BE MADE CLEAR THAT HIS ACTIVITIES IN EXCERCISING THE PROXY OF HIS WIFE AS CHAIRPERSON OF INTERAIRLINK AIRLINES CONSTITUTES A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN THAT HIS ASSESMENT OF THE OPERATIONS STANDARDS AND ISSUANCE OF AN OPERATING CERTIFICATE MAY BE PREJUDISED.

7 Submitted for your consideration

Mr. R.W. van Zyl Technical Advisor

Ms. J. Louis and A Stir Legal Officer

Mr. Alias Badboy Manager HR

alwaysinverted

16th Sep 2005, 05:13

Come on Trevor, give us some Gen! you know the ins and outs of these people! Murat was your friend until......... well, the rest is history.

Boomerang, interesting post. The current CAA may be FUBAR'd, but I can assure you that with regards to corruption and irregularities, it can't beat the old DCA. A couple of CAA employees may have learnt from, or taken some tips from the long standing DCA/ now CAA employees on how to act in an untoward manner.

Rennie van Zyl professed to be a little angel, goodie two shoes, but I have recently had site of some documents that categorically state the man's corruptive behaviour, and there are lots of examples. He was a big fish in a very small pond, and thought that he could walk on water.

1. A SA Citizen flying abroad, an ATP, fraudulently alters the validation of his medical certificate, and van Zyl helps him with it. The result, a fake notice to the Chief Flying Inspector to warn the pilot not to do it again. An act of fraud, but No action!

2. Cover ups of gross corruptive issues in the Flight Inspector's Department.

3. Chief Flight Inspector of the time is caught out acting untoward. The result? Van Zyl instructs the concerned gentleman to resign in order to get pension package.

4. Denies a long time employee a resignation package. The result? Long term employee loses out on a substantial amount of revenue. The reason? Did'nt like long term employee and decided to nail him financially.

5. Gave Pan Ops contract to an ex employee and his supporter.

And so the list goes on.

Moerat was covered for a million times by van Zyl on instructions of the then Government. Van Zyl had political ambitions and played the game, but he became totally disillusioned when his Broederbond mates let him down, and appointed Trevor as Commissioner, so he decided to leave SA.

Other interesting issue that I stumbled across was the fact that van Zyl was never the Commissioner. Makes one think huh?

Maybe Murat's had enough bashing on this forum, and maybe people that have had bad experiences with the DCA/van Zyl and his cronies should start posting here.

Beta Light

16th Sep 2005, 15:21

Right on ALWAYSINVERTED. just my personal experieces with one BIG R.R. would take a couple of Mega bite out of the PPrune main frame.

Yet he is seen as a hero by the younger generation, only because they don't know his dodgy past

CAACHIEF

16th Sep 2005, 16:29

Hold it ALWAYSINVERTED!

Murad was NEVER any friend of mine!

Some old DCA types conspired to send the one with the cheesy grin to do my RSA PPL when I started out in the NDOT setting up the CAA in 1998. What they did not tell me was they were sitting with the proverbial dossier on Mr. Ismail detailing all his wrong doings, short commings, etc.

Just great for the CEO-designate of the new CAA to be certified by a flight ops inspector with a very questionable record. But I guess that's the way the old guard operated in the DCA. "I've got something on you so you cannot touch me."

His flight instruction, well ... having instructed myslf in the USA, I would say pretty average though he pulled a class act on me one night at FALA in the CAA twin comanche - pulled one engine right after take off. I literally had to clean up and do the rest to keep the aircraft flying - not that the twin comanche had much in terms of error margin, and at night at that. I was surpirsed but wrote it off to the RSA Cowboy attitude.

I also observed him once land the CAA HS125 with oom Jan in the right seat. Oom Jan virtually continued a patter to touch down. I initially wrote it down to an overbearing captain, but now with hindsight and some info I came accross later, view his flying in a different light.

Yes there are many a camp fire session which could be shared on Murad and some other infamous DCA and CAA inspectors, but then as someone commented above, the Pprune server might not have enough space.

No it does not surprise me that the scorpions have eventually got hold of him. The past finally caught up with him. I am sure many a RSA aviator and former colleagues has a tale to tell.

Chickens coming home to roost. Reap what you sow. And all the rest applies.

alwaysinverted

16th Sep 2005, 21:26

;) Heeyy, the Chief posted! Good to see you are still with us on these threads Trev.:ok:

You were once severely criticised, victimized and grossly defamed, and some aviation people relished in your misery of the time. As you say, reap what you sow. The wheel always turns, and so Murad gets his day too!

You should however blow the lid off a couple of serious corruptive issues, and expose the culprits. I mean, you've seen the files, you know who did what, who covered up for whom and what, and I think that those people should be exposed.

Some of those people (Ex DCA)CAA are today regarded as "doyen's" of the aviation industry, and people think that they can walk on water. What they don't know, is that some of those highly regarded "Designated Examiners", have got fake licenses. Fake yes, because it was given to them by their buddies at the old DCA.

Beta Light, you're absolutely spot on with regards to the RRR. Now this boy "DOES have a chequered career". Trained in the SAAF, came up North to Sector 10 as OC of an Impala Squadron, but was to scared to fly combat. In Afrikaans, a real "slapgat". Could'nt pass a combat test at Louis Trichardt, and this is the "ace of the base".

As he was no ace of any sort, he could'nt get a decent job with any airline, and his last resort was to join the then DCA. There he sat in a position of power, and exercised those powers way beyond his mandate, and did so with the full support of Rennie (Renier Willem) van Zyl, who not only condoned his corruptive behaviour, but supported him every inch of the way. Most old/older school pilots will remember the "Plastic ATP" saga with RRR and the SAAF qualified pilots.

Today. nothing's changed. Pulls ten youngsters on an initial Turbine Rating (C208), charges them eight grand each for a ground school that is over in 2 hours. I wonder if the SARS know about this man's cash cow?

Well, we've digressed a bit here from the Murad thread. Mr. Moderator, move it if you so wish.:ok:

boomarang

20th Sep 2005, 22:04

Heard the local gendarmerie are opening dockets on our dear Cpt. Moer Rat at an alarming rate.

The latest involves a revelation that his financial backer in teh state tender bid has just pulled the plug on him and informed the authorities.

Worse yet, it seems there was an under the table "profit sharing" arrangement for this BEE bid - in other words FRONTING a definite no no in BEE tenders. In fact government is treating such bids as fraud.

Which may explain why the gendarmerie are poised to outdo teh scorpions.:E

boomarang

13th Oct 2005, 07:08

Seems our dear Cpt Moerlat is making the news again. Fatima Schroeder in today's Star reported about his bail conditions being amended and the case beng scheduled for March 2006.

Intersting to note in Yestrday's article (see below) that the CAA was informed about F&DT exceedances. Did they take any action on this issue?

By Penny Sukhraj

Interlink Airlines CEO Murad Ismail is facing 31 fraud and corruption charges after allegedly defrauding the South African Navy of R1,2-million.

Murad, who is based in Johannesburg, was scheduled to appear in Cape Town's Wynberg magistrate's court on Wednesday.

The alleged corruption relates to a navy tender in which Ismail provided the use of an aircrafts for the gunnery training of certain attack vessels of the navy.

'He was breaking too many rules and regulations'
The 40-year-old CEO has operated flights for various dignitaries including former deputy president Jacob Zuma, health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, foreign affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and even the South African soccer team.

He was arrested by the Scorpions after their successful prosecution of a navy officer, Leon Burweise. The court found that Burweise had helped Ismail to commit the fraud by verifying invoices submitted by Ismail that over-billed the navy.

On Tuesday, Ismail refused to grant The Star an interview, saying he had to protect his interests.

On Wednesday, Ismail was set to argue over his bail conditions. According to the prosecutor, Ismail has reportedly made a number of trips out of the country without reporting to Immigration Services. His alleged failure to report his movements meant he was not registered on the Movement Control System - in direct violation of his bail conditions.

The fraud charges come amid more controversy as Ismail's financier for another government contract - with the department of home affairs - recently pulled out of the deal.

Interlink Airlines charges the department on the basis of the number of deportees it transports. In the past financial year it has billed the department an average of R1 132 141 a month.

GAL Aviation, which leased aircraft to Ismail, recently sent a letter to home affairs stating that they were pulling out of the operation, and withdrawing a R2-million guarantee they had put up for Ismail.

In an interview with The Star, GAL Aviation director Daniel Rosenzweig confirmed that they had pulled out of the deal after discovering numerous safety contraventions made by Ismail.

"We found serious irregularities and gross violations of the flight and duty safety regulations. He was breaking too many rules and regulations," said Rosenzweig.

In one month, in-flight logbooks of the carriers of GAL Aviation, used to transport the deportees, allegedly showed about 12 contraventions by Ismail.

On a June 18 flight, Ismail himself piloted the flight, from Johannesburg, to destinations in Malawi, Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana. The flight lasted more than 17 hours, in clear contravention of flight and safety duty requirements - almost double the amount of time allowed.

Rosenzweig said: "When we discovered the violations, we decided that although it was lucrative to do government work, we would not do work with Murad Ismail. We could not be associated with somebody who had no regard for safety whatsoever". The company had reported the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Home affairs on Tuesday said the matter would be investigated. The department has also undertaken to investigate Ismail's failure to report to Immigration Services.

This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on October 12, 2005
:E