Johannesburg - Two of the four people arrested in connection with the attempted murder of investigators in the Radovan Krejcir case appeared in two courts on separate charges on Wednesday, police said.
Siboniso Miya appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court. His next appearance is expected on January 24, with Krejcir and three other men who face charges of kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder, Lt-Gen Solomon Makgale said.
Miya would remain in custody.
Owen Serrero appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court for nine alleged car hijackings. The case was postponed to January 22
for further investigation. Serrero remained in custody.
The kidnapping case allegedly involves Czech fugitive Krejcir, Sandton businessman Desai Luphondo, and two members of the Hawks, warrant officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Jeff Nthoroane.
They were arrested in November.
In June, they allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a man whose brother, known only as “Doctor”, disappeared with a 25kg shipment of tik he had been recruited to help smuggle through OR Tambo International Airport.
They allegedly kept the man at Krejcir's Money Point business in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, for four days, and assaulted him.
Miya and Serrero were arrested with Jacob Nare and Zoe Biyela for allegedly plotting to kill forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan and crime intelligence officer Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba.
All four appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Monday. The case was postponed to January 20 to allow both sides time to “iron out a few issues”.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Nathi Mcube would not say what the issues were. However, he said the State would oppose bail.
During the appearance, two of the accused claimed they were assaulted into making statements. One of the lawyers representing them claimed his client was “hung from a rod to compel him to make a statement”.
Another accused claimed he was forced into making a statement without his attorney present.
Magistrate Renier Boshoff said he could not see injuries on any of the accused.
All four face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of theft and possession of a stolen vehicle, armed robbery, and two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Sapa