Fugitives agree to deportation

2003-08-22 11:35

Cape Town - American fugitives Craig Pritchert and his common-law-wife Nova Guthrie appeared in Cape Town magistrate's court on Friday as the first step in their deportation to the US.

The two, wanted for a string of bank robberies in the US, were arrested in the city on Tuesday after being on the run for four years.

Although handcuffed and in leg irons, Pritchert appeared relaxed, and told magistrate Audrey Johnson he agreed to his deportation.

Guthrie seemed tense and answered only a terse "yes" or "no" to Johnson's questions.

Prosecutor Derek Vogel of the local Directorate of Public Prosecutions told the court the accused were in court in terms of an extradition treaty between South Africa and the US.

The treaty allowed arrest and detention in custody for 60 days.

He said both accused had committed armed robberies in banks in six different states in the US, which were extraditable offences.

Vogel said after their arrest on a warrant issued from Pretoria in terms of the extradition treaty, it came to light that they were undesirable persons in terms of immigration legislation and therefore subject to deportation.

Extradition and deportation were two different matters.

Extradition was handled between the South African justice department and the foreign state wanting the couple, while deportation was dealt with by the South African Department of Home Affairs.

He said home affairs had notified the couple that they were undesirable persons and had informed them of their rights.

A notification of deportation had been served on them, and both had acknowledged that they would not appeal.

Vogel said a warrant of removal had been drawn up and that home affairs would take the accused into custody and arrange for their deportation.

The deportation process would be finalised in the course of next week.

Home affairs immigration official Gideon Christian was present in court.

The proceedings will continue at 11:30 on Friday.

- SAPA