An American fugitive wanted in the United States for alleged sexual offences involving a minor has been arrested in Gqeberha following a joint operation involving South African law enforcement agencies and INTERPOL.
The 56-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon by Sergeant Ridwaan Baatjies of the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Task Team together with other specialised law enforcement units after authorities traced him to a residence in the Eastern Cape.
According to reports, the suspect had allegedly been evading authorities for approximately seven years after fleeing the United States during an investigation into allegations of sexual offences involving a 12-year-old girl in Texas.
Investigators in the United States reportedly opened a case against the suspect in 2017 after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted the minor and communicated with her through explicit messages. A warrant for his arrest was later issued in 2019.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly left the United States before he could be arrested and remained on the run until investigators traced him to South Africa.
The operation to locate and arrest the suspect involved members of the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Task Team, Crime Intelligence, INTERPOL, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Crime Combating Unit.
Police confirmed that South African authorities began working closely with American investigators after receiving information from the U.S. Embassy in Cape Town regarding the suspect’s possible location in the country.
Reports indicate that investigators allegedly discovered the suspect had settled in South Africa after marrying a South African citizen.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation required extensive intelligence gathering and monitoring before authorities were able to secure the necessary legal documentation and extradition procedures required for the arrest.
Once the required processes had been finalised, officers moved in and arrested the suspect at approximately 15:00 on Wednesday.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court, where extradition proceedings requested by the United States government are expected to begin.
Authorities said the arrest highlights ongoing cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international authorities in tracking fugitives accused of serious crimes.
Police have not released further details regarding the ongoing extradition process.
