Portuguese fugitive dies in Durban prison
Fugitive Portuguese banker Joao Manuel de Oliveira Rendeiro has died at Durban's Westville prison.
He had been due to appear in court on Friday as part of the extradition process.
Rendeiro absconded to South Africa after a court in Portugal convicted him of tax fraud and money laundering involving over half-a-billion rand.
He was sentenced to ten years in prison.
He was arrested in Umhlanga in December by members of Interpol.
KZN National Prosecution Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara says the court matter has been postponed to next week.
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"Prior to today’s proceedings, the NPA was informed that Mr Rendeiro had passed away. We are awaiting confirmation of this.
"The magistrate adjourned the case to 20 May 2022 for the court to confirm Rendeiro’s demise and to decide further on the matter."
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed his passing in a statement issued on Friday.
He said the department will probe the cause of death.
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