Johannesburg - Radovan Krejcir’s extradition hearing has hit yet another snag, after it was revealed on Tuesday that he has launched a high court review of whether the proceedings should be allowed to go ahead.
Krejcir, who is facing a multitude of criminal cases, has been the subject of an extradition bid for the past several years after it was launched by his home country, the Czech Republic.
While proceedings were initially stalled by Krejcir launching an application for refugee status through the Refugee Appeals Board, he this year withdrew that application.
As a result, the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court ruled that even though he faces half a dozen criminal cases, the extradition proceedings could continue.
However, it was revealed at a court appearance on Tuesday that Krejcir had launched a high court review on the court’s decision, though this could also potentially be withdrawn before Krejcir’s next appearance in the extradition case on November 9.
While Krejcir was granted a 15-minute consultation with his new lawyer, Frank Cohen, it’s unclear whether he has been advised to continue or withdraw the review application.
But even if the court decides to grant the extradition, it will then be up to the justice ministers of South Africa and the Czech Republic to negotiate a deal on whether Krejcir will have to stand trial in South Africa before he is allowed to return to his home country.
On Tuesday, Krejcir also appeared in the same court alongside his ex-girlfriend, Marissa Christopher, two prison warders and another suspect, for an escape plot to spring the Czech fugitive from Zonderwater Prison in Cullinan earlier this year.
The Star