Turkish fugitive traced to KZN after fleeing rape, kidnapping charges

Durban – A 40-year-old Turkish fugitive wanted in Türkiye over rape, sexual assault and kidnapping allegations has been arrested in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspect was arrested on Thursday, 1 October 2026, during a coordinated operation involving INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, Crime Intelligence, Isipingo police and private security.

The suspect 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.

According to SAPS, the offences were reported to the Eskişehir Police Department in Türkiye.

“According to the information received from Turkish authorities, the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days,” SAPS said.

The victim was 22 at the time of the alleged offences.

SAPS said the suspect also allegedly assaulted the woman by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in “permanent physical and psychological impairment”.

Following the investigation, the suspect allegedly fled Türkiye and was later traced to Isipingo.

“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,” SAPS said.

The suspect appeared before the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 October, where he faced an extradition application by the Turkish government.

The arrest follows another INTERPOL operation last month in which a Turkish fugitive and former primary school principal was arrested in Cape Town over allegations involving sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation of a nine-year-old victim.

SAPS said the former principal was arrested on 21 September and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court.

“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,” the police said.