…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
Fugitive Attorney Arrested in Paarl
A 55-year-old suspect, who was on Interpol’s Red Notice list, was apprehended in Paarl, Western Cape, through a collaborative effort between the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit and Interpol.
The arrest was made in connection with various charges including racketeering, fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court for the first time at the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 2 June.
Background of the Case
According to Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, investigations revealed that the suspect had been sought by the Namibian authorities.
The suspect had a warrant for his arrest and an extradition notice issued by the Paarl Magistrate in 2022.
The allegations against him involve engaging in illicit activities, including racketeering, fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
Suspect’s Deceptive Legal Services
It is alleged that in 2020, the suspect provided legal services to unsuspecting victims, despite being suspended from practicing as an attorney since 2016.
In 2022, he was officially struck off the roll.
During this period, victims unknowingly deposited more than R3 million into his Trust Account, and an additional R280,000 was deposited by one complainant into the same bank account for legal services, as reported by the Hawks.
The investigation led to the seizure of a cellphone and a laptop during the suspect’s arrest.
Red Notice Suspects in South Africa
Another notable case involving a Red Notice suspect unfolded in South Africa.
Fulgence Kayishema, who allegedly played a role in the massacre of over 2000 people during the Rwandan Genocide, is set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court for the second time on Friday.
After evading international authorities for two decades, Kayishema was captured in Paarl, where he was reportedly employed as a security guard on a farm.
Progress in Capturing Genocide Fugitives
In recent years, significant progress has been made in apprehending individuals involved in the Rwandan Genocide.
Since 2020, five fugitives, including Félicien Kabuga, Augustin Bizimana, Protais Mpiranya, and Phéneas Munyarugarama, have been successfully captured.
Only three fugitives remain at large.
Tragic Outcome for Another Fugitive
In an unrelated incident, Krasimir Kamenov, a red notice fugitive sought by Bulgaria, was tragically killed in a mass shooting in Constantia, Cape Town, located in the Western Cape.
These developments demonstrate the ongoing efforts to bring fugitives to justice and address international crimes committed in various parts of the world.