A 40-year-old fugitive wanted by Turkish authorities has been arrested in Isipingo, south of Durban. The man was arrested by the Interpol South Africa Fugitive Investigation Team, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence members of the Isipingo Police Station and private security.
The South African Police Service says the man is wanted in Turkey on various charges, including rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, among others.
He appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, where the Turkish government is seeking his extradition.
Police Spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says, “According to the information received from Turkish authorities, the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days. He also allegedly assaulted the victim by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in permanent physical and psychological impairment. The victim was 22 years old at the time of the alleged offences. Following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect allegedly fled Türkiye, his country of origin. He was subsequently traced to Isipingo in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.”
#sapsHQ [INTERPOL SA ARRESTS TWO TURKISH FUGITIVES IN KZN AND CAPE TOWN WANTED IN TÜRKIYE FOR SEPARATE GBV-RELATED OFFENCES]
INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, members from the Isipingo Police Station and private security, has… pic.twitter.com/cVxQ0PI9R3
— SA Police Service
(@SAPoliceService) October 3, 2026
Van Wyk says this is the second Turkish fugitive to be arrested by Interpol South Africa in the country.
She says another fugitive, who is wanted by Turkish authorities on charges including rape and kidnapping, was arrested in Cape Town last month.
“This arrest follows another successful operation by Interpol South Africa last month, in which a Turkish fugitive, a former primary school principal, was arrested in Cape Town in connection with charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, and intimidation involving a nine-year-old victim. The former principal was arrested on Monday, 21 September 2026, and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court.”
Reporting by: Samke Mtshali
