BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
15/06/2009
Sex crimes suspect Prinsloo held
Johannesburg - Sex crimes accused and former Pretoria Advocate Dirk Prinsloo was arrested in the Republic of Belarus, three years after skipping the country, national police said on Saturday.
"Were informed by Interpol (International Criminal Police Organisation) that Prinsloo was arrested at 17:30 on Friday following an attempted bank robbery in Belarus," said spokesperson Director Sally de Beer.
Prinsloo and two other men allegedly attempted to rob a bank on Wednesday, armed with a pistol and a knife.
"The staff at the bank co-operated, but managed to overpower two of the suspects and he ran. He was tracked down and arrested two days later," said De Beer.
Prinsloo skipped bail and fled the country in May 2006.
At the time of his escape Prinsloo was on trial with his co-accused Cezanne Visser, on a host of charges - including the sexual abuse of children, radio 702 reported.
Extradition
De Beer told Sapa that they would make a formal application for extradition.
"Obviously he will be tried in Belarus for the attempted robbery...but he can be extradited back to South Africa," she said.
Crime Line has welcomed the arrest, saying it was "thrilled" that one of the most wanted men was now in custody.
"We are happy that the fugitive is in custody," said head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee.
Last week, Crime Stoppers International and its affiliates throughout the world, of which Crime Line is a member, released photographs of 140 of the World's Most Wanted Criminals, he said.
"Among those featured was Prinsloo. Eleven 11 other South Africans are also featured."
Earlier this week, UK police arrested a paedophile who was on the "wanted list".
- SAPA
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