Interpol's Most Wanted German Fugitive Arrested at OR Tambo Airport

A German man, wanted by Interpol for alleged drug trafficking, was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport during a routine border operation. The Border Management Authority (BMA) revealed that the man had been evading capture for eight years.

The suspect, who initially traveled from South Africa to Turkey using a reportedly fraudulent Israeli passport, was returned to South Africa. Upon arrival, BMA officials noticed his German accent, despite his claim of being an Israeli national. Verification with the Israeli Embassy confirmed that he was not an Israeli citizen.

"Interpol was contacted and the suspect was found to be on the red list of the most wanted and had evaded arrest for drug trafficking for the past eight years," explained BMA commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato.

Further investigation revealed that the man had an international arrest warrant and had been living in Malawi under a false identity with a Malawian temporary residence permit. He was found to have used German and Israeli passports and was suspected of stealing the Israeli identity. Interpol promptly took him into custody, where he remains while awaiting extradition to Germany.

Dr. Masiapato highlighted the importance of this arrest, stating, "This interception underscores the critical role the BMA plays in safeguarding South Africa's ports of entry and collaborating with international security agencies to combat transnational crime. Our robust systems and partnerships with Interpol and other global entities have proven indispensable in protecting our nation's security and integrity."

He added that this incident "sends a clear message that South Africa's ports are fortified against individuals who seek to exploit them for illegal purposes."

Just a day before the arrest, Dr. Masiapato and Brigadier Ntime Mokhine, executive director of Interpol NCB Pretoria, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Pretoria to strengthen their collaboration in enhancing security at South Africa's ports of entry.