Radovan Krejcir appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13.
He appeared with Desai Luphondo and the former Hawks East Rand Organised Crime Unit officers Samuel Maropeng, George Nthoroane, Jan Mofokeng and Siboniso Miya
Krejcir and his five associates are alleged to have kidnapped, beaten and attempted to murder Mr Bheki Themba Lukele, the brother of one of Krejcir’s associates known only as ‘Doctor’. The incident took place in June last year, following an alleged drug deal involving 25 kilogrammes of methamphetamine that went missing.
All six suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges against them on Monday.
State witness, Mr Peter Vusi Msimango, testified in the court and answered questions regarding the kidnapping and attempted murder of Mr Lukele, as well as the alleged drug deal involving the methamphetamine.
Mr Msimango implicated most of the accused in the kidnapping and attempted murder of Mr Lukhele. He alleged that Mr Lukhele was kidnapped and assaulted in a bid to make him reveal the whereabouts of his brother Doctor, who had apparently disappeared with 25 kilogrammes of methamphetamine. Doctor was tasked to help transport the drugs to Australia in June last year.
According to Mr Msimango, Krejcir had the idea of killing Mr Lukhele so that when Doctor went to the funeral, they could grab him. Mr Msimango told the court that Krejcir’s associate, Mr Desai Luphondo, contacted him and said he must murder Mr Lukele, however he and another man did not agree with Krejcir’s plan.
The defence team still has to question Mr Msimango and the trial is continuing.
