Turkish fugitive wanted for rape and kidnapping arrested in KZN

INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, Crime Intelligence and Isipingo police arrested a 40-year-old Turkish national wanted in Türkiye on GBV-related charges.

A 40-year-old Turkish national wanted in Türkiye on rape, sexual assault, kidnapping and assault charges has been arrested by Interpol South Africa in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal.

The man was arrested on Thursday,  during a co-ordinated operation involving Interpol South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, Crime Intelligence, members of the Isipingo Police Station and private security personnel.

Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the arrest followed an extradition request from Turkish authorities after the man was traced to Isipingo. Interpol National Central Bureau Pretoria obtained and executed a warrant, leading to his arrest.

The man is accused of kidnapping his then-fiancée in 2010 and raping her over several days.

He is also accused of repeatedly assaulting her, leaving her with permanent physical and psychological injuries.

"The victim was 22 years old at the time of the alleged offences," van Wyk said.

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

The police added that "upon receipt of 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, resulting in the fugitive’s arrest".

The man appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate's Court on Friday, where he faced an extradition application by the government of Türkiye.

The court proceedings follow the arrest after Turkish authorities requested that he be returned to Türkiye to stand trial on the charges.

"The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to strengthen international law enforcement co-operation through INTERPOL structures, enabling the tracing and arrest of wanted persons who seek to evade justice by fleeing across international borders," van Wyk said.

"This arrest follows another successful operation by INTERPOL South Africa last month, in which a Turkish fugitive, a former primary school principal, was arrested in Cape Town in connection with charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation involving a nine-year-old victim."