GQEBERHA – Alleged United States fugitive Robert Lee Redd Junior is expected to remain in custody as South African authorities prepare to file an extradition application next week.
Redd, 56, appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on 29 May, where discussions focused on arrangements for consultations between the accused, his legal representative Danie Gouws, and the State ahead of extradition proceedings.
The court heard that the State intends to file its extradition application by Wednesday, with further consultations scheduled for 3 June.
Redd’s legal representative, Danie Gouws, requested that his client be temporarily detained at Humewood Police Station to facilitate consultations. However, the investigating officer informed the court that the station commander had raised concerns about the request.
According to the investigating officer, Humewood Police Station’s facilities and staffing capacity are not suited to accommodate extended legal consultations. Attempts to contact the station commander at Mount Road Police Station were also unsuccessful.
As previously reported by the Express, Redd was arrested in Kabega Park on 27 May following an international operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), INTERPOL, and local law enforcement units.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the American citizen is wanted in the United States on charges of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed against his daughter.
“The suspect, a USA citizen, is wanted by INTERPOL on charges of rape and sexual assault reported by the victim’s mother to the San Antonio Police Department in 2017,” said Van Wyk.
Police allege the victim was 12 years old at the time of the offences, and that Redd shared explicit text messages with her over a period of time.
The arrest followed a two-year investigation by the Nelson Mandela Bay Detective Task Team and Crime Intelligence, supported by INTERPOL and the Nelson Mandela Bay Crime Combating Unit.
Gouws argued that consultations at St Albans Correctional Centre are often difficult to arrange, noting that detainees are sometimes returned to their cells as early as 14:00, which limits preparation time.
He further submitted that the matter is unusual due to its international nature and that effective consultation with his client is essential.
The presiding magistrate indicated that Gouws would require a court order to facilitate consultations with Redd at St Albans Correctional Centre.
The matter was postponed to 3 June for consultations between the State, the defence, and Redd.
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