Tag Archives: sexual assault

Turkish fugitive arrested in Cape Town

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Picture: A Turkish fugitive arrested in Cape Town/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 October 2026 – INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, members from the Isipingo Police Station and private security, has arrested the Turkish fugitive (40) in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, following a coordinated operation on 1 October 2026. The fugitive 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), which were reported to the Eskişehir Police Department in Türkiye.

It is alleged that the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days. He also allegedly assaulted the victim by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in permanent physical and psychological impairment.

The national police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said 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, South Africa. 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 fugitive appeared before the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2026, facing an extradition application by the government of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of South Africa,” she said.

Van Wyk further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL structures, enabling the tracing and arrest of wanted persons who seek to evade justice by fleeing across international borders. She added that 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.

“The former principal was arrested on 21 September 2026, and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” said van Wyk.

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More than 600 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela in North West!

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Picture: The police nabbed 689 suspects during Operation Shanela/Generic  

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested for various crimes including dealing in drugs, business robberies, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assaults, fraud, and burglaries.

Funani said eight wanted individuals were amongst the suspects. She further said 51 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, and many others.

“The operation also culminated in the confiscations of various drugs, four handguns, one rifle, 30 ammunition, two computers, liquor, and copper cables. Operation Shanela that is aimed at fighting crime and ensuring that the citizens feel safe, keeps on producing good results,” said Funani.

She added that, 689 suspects were arrested across North West between 14 and 17 September 2023.

“In one of the operations on Friday, the Detectives and Support Personnel, Provincial Organised Crime operationalised information regarding alleged drug dealing activity in Zakhele, Ikageng. A search warrant was applied for and executed at the identified place. 

“During the search, a man was spotted attempting to flush down the drain 12 mandrax tablets. A further search in the tuckshop led to the discovery of 14 bags, 60 litres of dagga, and 116 mandrax tablets, all with estimated street value of R173 00,” said Funani.

She said all four suspects aged between 19 and 38, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Funani said in Klipgat, a tactical operation by the local detectives and Brits Crime Intelligence on Friday, resulted in the arrest of two suspects for house robbery.

“The suspects were arrested after the team followed up on information about wanted suspects. The first suspect was arrested at Lekgema Section and found in possession of suspected stolen cell phone. Further investigation led to the recovery of suspected stolen goods such as plasma television, gas stove, blankets, a pair of shoes and music system at Sofasonke Section,” she said.

According to Funani, the other two suspects were successfully traced and arrested in Madidi village. She said one of the suspects was found to be in possession of unlicensed firearm and three ammunition. She said the suspects aged 33, 37 and 40 are expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court today. 

All other arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts between today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their continuous hard work and ensure that, perpetrators are put behind bars.

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