‘Cop joined Krejcir accused, witness for lunch’

Peter Msimango who testyified at Czech businessman Radovan Krejcir and five others who appeared at Palm Ridge magistrate court on charges of dealing in drugs, attempted murder, and kidnapping.461 Picture: Matthews Baloyi 2014/05/12

Peter Msimango who testyified at Czech businessman Radovan Krejcir and five others who appeared at Palm Ridge magistrate court on charges of dealing in drugs, attempted murder, and kidnapping.461 Picture: Matthews Baloyi 2014/05/12

Published May 15, 2014

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Johannesburg - A policeman friend of a State witness in the trial of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five others was involved in discussions about a man who had disappeared with 25kg of drugs, the High Court in Johannesburg heard on Thursday.

Andre Steenkamp, for Desai Luphondo, told the court, sitting in Palm Ridge, that Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba had joined State witness Vusi Msimango, Luphondo, and another man in a coffee shop at the Eastgate mall.

Msimango had said the meeting was about finding a man known as Doctor who had disappeared with 25kg of tik he was tasked to transport to Australia.

“I deny that he joined us,” Msimango told the court as Steenkamp was cross-examining him.

He explained that Ximba had bumped into them at Eastgate and briefly spoke with him.

“He didn't come and sit down with us. He lives in the area. He is always at Eastgate,” said Msimango.

Msimango earlier testified that he was recruited to help find Doctor and the missing crystal meth (tik) as this was his “line of business”.

Since taking to the stand, Msimango's relationship with Ximba has been questioned. He said he met Ximba over 10 years ago when the two of them dated sisters.

Annelene van den Heever, for Krejcir, previously told the court that Ximba and Msimango had been seen having lunch in the court's parking lot. Msimango denied this.

She questioned whether Msimango was a police informant. He also denied this.

Steenkamp told the court that Ximba's driver Desmond had been attending the court proceedings every day.

“I don't recall Ximba having a driver,” Msimango replied.

A man who has been seen standing outside court with Msimango and at times leaving the court with him, chuckled at the statement. He sat in the second row of the court gallery, typing on his phone.

Krejcir, Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng, and Siboniso Miya face charges of dealing in drugs, attempted murder, and kidnapping.

They allegedly kidnapped and tortured Doctor's brother Bheki Lukhele in a bid to make him reveal his brother's whereabouts. Lukhele was later dumped alive next to a stadium in Katlehong, on the East Rand.

All the accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Sapa

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