High security ahead of Louca trial

George Louca in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court. File Photo: Chris Collingridge

George Louca in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court. File Photo: Chris Collingridge

Published Mar 26, 2014

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Johannesburg - There was a high security presence in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on the East Rand ahead of the appearance of Cypriot national George Louca on Wednesday.

Heavily armed members of the special task team dressed in camouflage monitored the court.

They barred the media from taking any pictures of them.

Earlier, the court was evacuated and searched.

Court officials requested that everyone evacuate the courtroom as police officers did a thorough search inside.

The police officers wore gloves as they searched beneath the benches in the court gallery and all other corners of the room.

Media officials and other people entering the courtroom would be searched before being allowed into court, said court officials.

Both men and women were body searched. All bags were opened and inspected.

Louca, a Cypriot national, is accused of killing Teazers strip club boss Lolly Jackson.

He faces additional charges of money laundering and possession of stolen goods.

Louca returned to South Africa several weeks ago after losing his final appeal in the Supreme Court of Cyprus, the last of several attempts to evade extradition.

He left South Africa after Jackson was murdered at a house in Edenglen, east of Johannesburg, on May 3, 2010.

Louca reportedly phoned Gauteng crime intelligence boss Joey Mabasa and admitted to being present when Jackson was murdered.

Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said at the time the Hawks were investigating a number of other cases to which Louca could possibly be linked.

Louca previously told the media he did not believe he would be granted a fair trial.

Those present for the proceedings on Wednesday included former Teazer's spokesman Sean Newman. - Sapa

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