South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has increased the number of charges it is bringing against Rwandan former judicial police inspector Fulgence Kayishema, who is wanted internationally for his alleged involvement in the Rwandan genocide.
In addition to an international indictment for genocide, Kayishema is now facing 54 separate charges, up from five previously. His rap sheet includes nine charges of fraud, ten for contravening South Africa's Refugees Act and 35 counts for violation of the Immigration Act.
After 22 years on the run, Kayishema was arrested on May 24 under a false name on a grape farm in Paarl, South Africa. The fugitive, who used many aliases and false documents, is thought to have traveled on a Malawian passport. The NPA alleges that he used a false identity to apply for refugee status in South Africa.
During a court hearing on May 26 in Cape Town, Kayishema didn't respond to the South African charges, but he has denied any involvement in the tragic events in Rwanda.
According to prosecutors' spokesman Eric Ntabazalila, his case was adjourned to June 20 to allow Kayishema's defense team to consult on possible bail.
Ntabazalila stated that some of the South African charges could see Kayishema imprisoned for up to 15 years. It was also noted that he is expected to be deported to Rwanda to be tried for genocide.
The Rwandan national has been on the run since July 2001, when the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) indicted him for genocide for his alleged involvement in the massacre of over 2,000 Tutsi men, women and children who had taken refuge in a Catholic church in Nyange in Kivumu district in 194.