Boeremag duo on Interpol list
2006-05-10 18:13
Johannesburg - The two escaped Boeremag treason trial accused have been placed on Interpol's 'red notice' list as well as Interpol's international data base for wanted fugitives, police said on Wednesday.
Herman van Rooyen and Rudi Gouws disappeared from the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday last week. They were on trial with 20 others on treason, terrorism, murder and other charges.
"The two are now internationally regarded as fugitives from justice on murder and terrorism-related charges," said director Sally De Beer.
"The purpose of the "red notice" is to seek the arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition."
This, she explained, meant that if Gouws or Van Rooyen tried to enter, or were detected in any of Interpol's 184 member countries, they would be arrested and extradited for prosecution.
Police on Thursday last week installed a hotline for people with information on the whereabouts of the two.
However on Tuesday, a man was arrested after supplying police with information.
Leon van Rensburg, 61, was arrested on charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice for having supplied false information to police.
De Beer said: "His arrest is a clear indication that the South African Police Service will not tolerate persons wasting our time and resources by making hoax calls and knowingly supplying false information."
Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour meanwhile said the remaining accused would not be treated any differently and no extra security measures would be taken.
"There will be no more or no less focus on them."
Judge Eben Jordaan has postponed the case to May 15 to give police a chance to catch the escapees.
The hotline number for people with information on the escapees is 073 650 7502.
- SAPA