First slated for deportation at the end of last month, alleged gangster Francois Meerholz remained in Prince George as of Wednesday.
"He's not gone yet," said Debbie Freake, Meerholz's fiance's mother. "There are paperwork issues with the South African government."
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is declining to comment on the matter other than to say a statement will be issued when he is deported.
Freake said Meerholz is also holding onto the hope of securing a lawyer through legal aid and then filing an appeal with the Federal Court of Canada.
Meerholz, 23, faces deportation for failing to report criminal charges to CBSA. He was supposed to be deported on Jan. 31 but remains in the country.
When they were minors, Meerholz and his brother moved to Canada from South Africa in 1999 to live with relatives but the ended up in the foster care system and his citizenship was never changed.
After convictions for theft and possession of stolen property in 2007, Meerholz was ordered deported in November 2008. But he was given a reprieve in March 2009 when federal officials stayed his deportation for 18 months provided he live up to a number of conditions.
Meerholz failed to report seven firearms related charges from an October 2009 incident and was picked up by the CBSA and taken into custody. On Jan. 20, an immigration board adjudicator granted Meerholz release on $5,000 bail and he returned to Prince George.
Even though the Crown would stay the charges if he is deported, Meerholz said he wants to remain in Canada so he can marry his fiance.
Meerholz also faces charges of driving while impaired, dangerous driving and flight from a peace officer from a separate incident. Separate trials on the firearms and driving-related charges are scheduled for later this year.
