prisoners
10 May 2006
Pretoria - Today the two men who escaped from the Pretoria High Court last
week, Herman van Rooyen (33) and Rudi Gouws (28), were officially placed on
Interpolâs red notice list as well as Interpol's international data base for
wanted fugitives. This means that the two are now internationally regarded as
fugitives from justice on murder and terrorism related charges. The purpose of
the "red notice" is to seek the arrest of wanted persons with a view to
extradition. Should either of the two attempt to enter or be detected in any of
the 184 member countries of Interpol they will be summarily arrested and the
extradition process implemented.
The South African Police Service would like to remind any person considering
assisting Van Rooyen and Gouws that assisting or providing refuge to fugitives
or even failing to report their whereabouts to the authorities, constitutes a
criminal offence. If charged under the Correctional Services Act the penalty if
found guilty is up to 10 years imprisonment and if prosecuted under the
Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist Related Activities
Act, a sentence of 15 years imprisonment can be imposed.
A dedicated cell phone number has been allocated to the police investigation
team; the number is 073 650 7502. Information has been received on a steady
basis since the number became active. Unfortunately there are a few persons who
deem it fit to place hoax calls or to give false information to the police on
that number.
On Tuesday, 9 May 2006, Mr Leon van Rensburg (61), of Sannieshof was
arrested on charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice for having
supplied false information to the police on this matter. Van Rensburg appeared
in the Delareyville magistrate's court today. The case was remanded to 18 May
2006. His arrest is a clear indication that the South African Police Service
(SAPS) will not tolerate persons wasting our time and resources by making hoax
calls and knowingly supplying false information.
Contact:
Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Issued by: South African Police Service (SAPS)
10 May 2006
Source: South African Police Service (http://www.saps.gov.za)
