The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its public deportation registry, releasing the names and photographs of nine South African nationals who have been prioritized for removal from the country. These individuals, listed on the DHS 'Worst of the Worst' (WOW) portal, have been convicted of major state and federal offenses across the United States, ranging from sexual abuse and drug trafficking to aggravated assault and robbery.
High-Profile Cases Among Those Listed
One of the most notable cases is that of Barrett Preston Busschau, who was the subject of a 25-year international manhunt by the FBI after fleeing Oregon in 1993 before his trial for the sexual abuse of five young girls. He was eventually apprehended and booked by immigration authorities in Seattle, Washington, and is now awaiting his final deportation flight.
Another individual, Charlene Vermaak, a 32-year-old resident of Maine, has a lengthy criminal record involving drug-related offenses. In January 2024, she was arrested in Old Orchard Beach for unlawful possession of over 200 milligrams of fentanyl powder. Her repeated run-ins with law enforcement in Sanford and Saco ultimately led to her inclusion on the deportation list.
Drug and Property Crimes Feature Prominently
Viwe Kuse, a 36-year-old resident of Altamonte Springs and Apopka, Florida, has been arrested multiple times by Orlando-area police for burglary, drug possession, and fraud. In early 2025, he was arrested for possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, along with charges of trespassing and outstanding warrants, solidifying his place on the deportation register.
Jacobus Janse Van Rensburg, a 23-year-old South African national, was arrested in Le Center, Minnesota, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His case was flagged for priority deportation due to the severity of the offense.
Violent Crimes Against Children and Adults
Christiaan Opperman was apprehended in Tallahassee, Florida, for severe offenses targeting children, which fast-tracked his placement on the priority removal list. David Fourie, arrested in Columbia, South Carolina, faces charges of larceny and various public order crimes.
Michael Nzama was taken into custody in Las Vegas, Nevada, for strongarm aggravated assault against a non-family member. This violent crime led federal immigration authorities to finalize his deportation order.
Other Cases Include Robbery and Assault
Samantha Garriott was arrested in Colorado City, Texas, on a violent felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Despite seeking legal remedies, her federal conviction has solidified her deportation status. Ovette Porthen, arrested in Williston, North Dakota, was convicted of robbery, a major felony that placed him on the high-profile ICE deportation register.
The DHS WOW portal is designed to highlight foreign nationals who have committed serious crimes in the United States, ensuring they are prioritized for removal. According to US immigration authorities, these nine South Africans remain on the deportation register as legal and administrative processes continue.
