The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced the arrest of a 41-year-old convicted Bulgarian drug trafficker, Stanislav Stamenov, in Cape Town on Friday morning.
Stamenov, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison in Romania in 2009 for his role in a large organised criminal network trafficking heroin into the country, fled Romania shortly after his conviction. He had been living in Cape Town for several years, reportedly working as a gym instructor at various well-known fitness clubs.
The arrest was carried out by the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) at his home. Stamenov had been listed on an Interpol Red Notice, a global alert issued to law enforcement agencies for the apprehension of fugitives.
Following his arrest, Stamenov is being held in custody and is expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday regarding his extradition to Romania.
SAPS also confirmed that another high-profile extradition is scheduled for next week. Thirty-three-year-old Alton Ncube, wanted by Gauteng police for the murder of his wife in February 2025, will be handed over to Interpol South Africa by Zimbabwean authorities. Ncube allegedly filmed the killing in Jabulani, Soweto, and shared the footage before fleeing to Zimbabwe. He is expected to cross at the Beitbridge border post on 4 March 2026.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, commenting on Stamenov’s arrest, said, “The SAPS remains committed to tracking down fugitives, no matter where they attempt to hide. This arrest demonstrates our ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement to ensure criminals face justice.”
These arrests highlight SAPS’ continued efforts to work with global and regional partners to combat organised crime and violent offenders, reinforcing the importance of extradition processes in maintaining public safety.
Meanwhile, South Africa is increasingly confronting cases involving foreign nationals charged with serious crimes, highlighting the country’s role as both a destination and a legal venue for international offenders. A number of high‑profile cases in recent years have seen foreign suspects facing South African courts or being sentenced for crimes committed here.
In the Western Cape, several Egyptian nationals have been convicted on serious charges. One 35‑year‑old Egyptian man was sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court for kidnapping, murder and aggravated robbery. In a separate trial, another Egyptian national was found guilty in connection with a violent killing linked to a business dispute. These cases have drawn attention to violent crime involving foreign citizens living in South Africa.
A well‑known British criminal, Farah Damji, has also been sentenced in South Africa. In 2025, she received a six‑year prison term for stalking and related offences committed against a former British diplomat while in the country. Her case has been widely reported both locally and abroad.
In Gauteng, 95 Libyan nationals appeared in court after their arrest at a site suspected of being a former military training camp. They are charged with misrepresenting their visa status, underlining concerns about the misuse of immigration channels for unlawful activities.
Looking further back, the arrest of Mozambican national Aníbal dos Santos in Pretoria in 2003, later convicted overseas, shows that South African authorities have long collaborated in cross‑border investigations.
These cases demonstrate the diverse range of international offenders who come to the attention of South African law enforcement, whether through violent crime, fraud, immigration offences or organised networks. They also reflect ongoing efforts by the police and justice system to hold individuals accountable, regardless of nationality.
As the country continues to engage with global crime challenges, legal processes aim to ensure fairness while protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law.
