The arrest of international fugitive, and sex crimes accused, Dirk Prinsloo has been hailed as a victory for justice.

Prinsloo was captured in the former Soviet republic of Belarus on Friday after a foiled bank robbery.

He has been on the run for more than three years after fleeing South Africa in 2006 while on trial for sexually abusing several women and girls.

His arrest was welcomed by police, the National Prosecuting Authority, crime fighting organisations and his former girlfriend Cezanne Visser.

Although Visser has been advised by her advocate not to speak to the media, he has told Eyewitness News that she is relieved that Prinsloo is behind bars again.

Earlier this year, Visser testified in the North Gauteng High Court that she lived fearing Prinsloo would harm her or her mother.

His father, Johan Prinsloo, expressed shocked when he heard the news of his son's arrest.

South African authorities will approach the Republic of Belarus to extradite Prinsloo, but it is expected he will only be sent back after standing trial and serving time for his alleged involvement in the foiled bank robbery.