FUGITIVE RABBI UNDER STRICT POLICE GUARD IN STATE HOSPITAL

By Mia Lindeque
Eyewitness News
April 10, 2016

http://ewn.co.za/2016/04/10/Fugitive-Rabbi-under-strict-police-guard-in-state-hospital

Israeli Rabbi Eliezer Berland (C), who is suspected of sexual abuse in Israel, arrives at court in Haarlem, on 17 November 2014, with his lawyer Louis de Leon (R).

JOHANNESBURG - Fugitive rabbi, Eliezer Berland, is recovering in a Johannesburg hospital after he was rushed to a doctor from the Sandton police station.

The rabbi is wanted in Israel for a number of sex crimes, and has been on the run for over four years.

He was arrested this week, when he was admitted to hospital due to his medical condition.

Rabbi Berland is under strict police guard in hospital.

ER24 could not confirm the identity of the man whom they treated at the Sandton Police Station, saying only that a suspect suffered from a medical condition and needed urgent attention.

Two emergency vans were used to transport Berland. They were escorted by at least five police vehicles to the nearest state hospital yesterday.

The rabbi is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates Court this Thursday.

The Hawks’ Interpol members arrested Berland in Sunninghill three days ago.

The 80-year-old has twice evaded arrest, once last year when police raided his hideout in Midrand and later during a high speed car chase.

Israel wants the rabbi to be extradited to stand trial for the sexual crimes.