Irish Fugitive Ruth Lawrence Nabbed in South Africa
Ruth Lawrence, 42, was arrested last week on the streets of Bloemfontein under an international arrest warrant. Today, she appeared at Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court in Free State Province and confirmed she would not fight extradition back to Ireland.
Extradition Process Underway
National Prosecuting Spokesman Phaladi Shuping revealed the case has been postponed until next month. This delay allows South African and Irish authorities to arrange the logistics of handing Lawrence over to Irish officials.
Link to Chilling 2014 Double Murder
Lawrence is wanted in connection with the brutal murders of friends Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan, who were found wrapped in plastic and buried in a shallow grave on Inchicup Island, Lough Sheelin, County Meath.
- The pair were last seen on 22 April 2014, after travelling from Dublin to Co Cavan for a prearranged meeting.
- Their disappearance raised alarms among their friends and families, as they were not known criminals and never returned home.
Co-Accused Still Behind Bars in South Africa
It is believed Lawrence fled Ireland in 2014 with her then-boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen. Van der Westhuizen is also wanted for the murders but is currently serving a life sentence in South Africa for an unrelated murder.
