Crime Watch appeal fugitive arrested

Crime Watch appeal fugitive arrested

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By Staff Reporter

DINGANI Mlotshwa, the Zimbabwean fugitive wanted by detectives in England over a violent attack which left his girlfriend blind on one eye has been arrested.

Mlotshwa, 32, was arrested at his work in Essex when police swooped following tip-offs from viewers of the BBC's Crimewatch programme, which was used to make an appeal in December.

Officers travelled to Rochford in Essex on Tuesday where the Zimbabwean national was held. He was taken to Bolton where he was questioned and appeared in court.

The victim, who has not been named, was attacked at her Bolton home in April 2005.

Police say she was repeatedly punched and hit with a telephone during an attack which left her needing 31 stitches to her face and blind in one eye.

Det Con Liz Hopkinson made a plea for information on Crimewatch in December and followed up information from viewers before arresting Mlotshwa on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

In court, Mlotshwa, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

The case was committed to Bolton Crown Court on January 25 for a plea and case management hearing.

Mlotshwa has been remanded in custody.

Mlotshwa came to England as an asylum seeker, but his application was turned down. His passport is with the Home Office, and police were certain he was still in the UK, possibly holed up with friends.

Police say the victim of the attack met Mlotshwa, sometimes known as 'Danny' or 'Deni', at a party in Leeds in December 2004.

He was working in Hull packing medical supplies. As the relationship grew he spent more time with her in Bolton.

"Danny became increasingly jealous and abusive to her. He wrongly accused her of cheating on him and assaulted her, punching her and giving her a black eye," a police report said.

The relationship broke down and Danny moved out. But on Saturday, April 16, 2005, he let himself into the house at 7am, hoping to catch her with another man.

"There was no-one else there, but an argument ensued. Later that day, the
argument escalated and the victim attempted to call 999, fearing he was about to attack her," said the police report.

"Mlotshwa grabbed the phone and repeatedly hit her in the eye with the phone and both fists. He then kicked her repeatedly before leaving. The 999 call had connected so a uniformed officer was able to reach her within minutes.

"She was taken to hospital and had 31 stitches to her face. She needed
reconstructive surgery and is still having operations in the hope of bringing
back her sight.."
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