Interpol arrests Turkish fugitive in Isipingo over rape, kidnapping charges - IOL

A 40-year-old Turkish fugitive wanted on rape, sexual assault and kidnapping charges has been arrested in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, in a joint Interpol and SAPS operation.

Interpol South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, Isipingo police and private security, has arrested a 40-year-old Turkish fugitive in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal.

The suspect was arrested during a coordinated operation on Thursday.

He is wanted by Turkish authorities to stand trial on charges of rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The charges were reported to the Eskişehir Police Department in Türkiye.

According to information received from Turkish authorities, the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days.

He also allegedly assaulted the woman by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in permanent physical and psychological impairment. She was 22 years old at the time of the alleged offences.

Following the investigation, the suspect allegedly fled Türkiye, his country of origin. He was later traced to Isipingo in KwaZulu-Natal.

After receiving the extradition request from Turkish authorities, Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria obtained and executed a warrant in terms of Section 5(1)(b) of the relevant legislation, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

The fugitive appeared before the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where the government of Türkiye began extradition proceedings to have him returned to the country to face trial.

SAPS said it continues to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through Interpol structures, enabling the tracing and arrest of wanted persons who cross international borders to evade justice.

The arrest follows another operation by Interpol South Africa last month in which a Turkish fugitive, a former primary school principal, was arrested in Cape Town.

The former principal is wanted in Türkiye in connection with charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation involving a nine-year-old victim.

He was arrested on Monday, September 21, 2026, and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court.