BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

14/06/2009

Prinsloo to first face trial in Belarus

Sex crimes accused Dirk Prinsloo will first face justice in Belarus before he can be extradited to South Africa, police said on Sunday.

"[Extradition] is just a process, we'll initiate it in the course of this week. He will first have to stand trial there. Should he be found guilty and if he is sentenced, then he will have to serve his sentence," said SA Police Service spokesperson Director Sally de Beer.

Prinsloo was arrested with two accomplices in Belarus on Friday after attempting to rob a bank.

"I think it was an unusual turn of events, but obviously we're pleased, it's good work done by police in Belarus," said De Beer.

De Beer could not confirm whether Belarus had an extradition treaty with South Africa. She said authorities there were agreeable to Prinsloo being extradited back to South Africa, after he has been tried and has served any criminal penalties in Belarus.

On Sunday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed Prinsloo's arrest.

"Once all compliance aspects in terms of the treaty between South Africa and Belarus are satisfied, Pretoria will make contact with Minsk in order to facilitate Prinsloo's extradition to stand trial on crimes he is alleged to have committed in South Africa," said NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali.

Prinsloo skipped bail and fled the country in May 2006.

At the time of his escape Prinsloo was on trial with his co-accused Cezanne Visser, on a host of charges - including the sexual abuse of children. - Sapa

Source:

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20090614163513181C515164

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