Johannesburg - Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir accused the State of assault whenever he had to face the law, the Palm Ridge Regional Court heard on Wednesday.
“His allegations of assault are not new. The accused has a trend that upon arrest he goes and claims assault in court,” prosecutor Louis Mashiane said.
Krejcir and three others were applying for bail on Wednesday. His co-accused are estate agent Desai Luphondo and Hawks members warrant officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Jeff Nthoroane.
They were arrested last month and face charges of assault, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Krejcir claimed he was tortured after his arrest and told the court earlier that he had laid charges against the police.
Mashiane said on Wednesday Krejcir made similar claims during his application to oppose his extradition in 2007. He said because Krejcir indicated in his affidavit that he recognised one of the officers who allegedly assaulted him, he wondered why the police would blindfold him if they were aware he knew them.
Krejcir sat rubbing his hands and looking at Mashiane. He occasionally shook his head at Mashiane and sometimes smiled. His three co-accused kept turning their heads and looking at relatives seated in the public gallery behind them.
Krejcir's wife Katerina Krejcirova whispered to their son Dennis as they listened to Mashiane.
Armed tactical response team members kept an eye on the four accused during proceedings.
Luphondo kept writing in a notebook he brought with him, and kept quiet most of the time, speaking to Krejcir only occasionally.
The bail hearing continues.
Sapa