GQEBERHA – Alleged United States fugitive Robert Lee Redd Junior (56) is expected to formally apply for bail in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on 7 July, as his extradition proceedings continue against him.

Redd’s legal representative, Danie Gouws, told the court that he had been in contact with prosecutor Marius Stander regarding the documentation required for the extradition process.

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Redd was arrested at his Westbrook home on 27 May during a joint operation involving the US Marshals Service, Interpol, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), following a two-year investigation.

According to police reports, the United States citizen was wanted in terms of an Interpol notice on charges of rape and sexual assault.

Police reports further stated that Redd allegedly raped a minor who was 12 years old at the time of the alleged assault in 2017, and that he also exchanged explicit text messages with her over an extended period.

After investigators in the United States completed their investifation, the suspect allegedly fled the country and was later traced to the Eastern Cape.

Addressing the court, Gouws said he had requested copies of the arrest warrant, as well as the search-and-seizure warrant and supporting affidavit that led to Redd’s arrest. He said these documents had not yet been provided to the defence.

According to Gouws, copies of the search-and-seizure warrant should have been provided to the owner of the property where the operation was conducted at Redd’s Westbrook residence; however, this allegedly did not happen.

Redd remains in custody at St Albans Correctional Centre until his formal bail application on 7 July and the continuation of extradition proceedings.

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