The National Border Management Authority (BMA) officials have successfully intercepted a German national who has been on Interpol’s most wanted list for the past eight years. According to the BMA, this arrest followed a routine border operation conducted at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
It is alleged that the German suspect was intercepted in Turkey on 8 November 2024, travelling with a fraudulent Israeli passport, and returned to South Africa. Following an investigation, the BMA officials noticed that the suspect, who insisted that he was an Israeli national, had a German accent.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was contacted and confirmed through the Embassy that the suspect was not an Israeli national.
Following further investigation by the BMA, the suspect was found to be on Interpol’s red list of the most wanted and had evaded arrest for drug trafficking for the past eight years.
It was also found that the German national had an international warrant of arrest issued against him, that he had been living in Malawi under a new identity, and that he was in possession of a Malawian temporary residence.
“He was found to have travelled under the German and Israeli passports and also suspected to have stolen the Israeli identity.”
Interpol immediately arrested the suspect, who is still in custody awaiting extradition to Germany.
The National Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato has lauded this interception.
“[This interception is] a demonstration of the effectiveness of South Africa’s integrated border management strategy, after the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Interpol.”
Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato and Brigadier Ntime Mokhine, the Executive Director of INTERPOL NCB Pretoria, signed an MOU in Pretoria on 14 November 2024 to reflect their commitment to enhancing the security of South Africa’s ports of entry.
Dr Masiapato has commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officials involved.
“Our robust systems and partnerships with Interpol and other global entities have proven indispensable in protecting our nation’s security and integrity.”
Masiapato has reiterated the BMA’s commitment to securing the country’s ports of entry against criminal activities, human trafficking, and other unlawful practices.
“This apprehension sends a clear message that South Africa’s ports are fortified against individuals who seek to exploit them for illegal purposes.”
The Authority has urged all travellers to comply with immigration laws and security protocols to ensure smooth and lawful movement across all the 71 ports of entry.
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