Johannesburg - The trial-within-a-trial of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five others was postponed on Monday for a month in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge.
“In this matter of issues concerning subpoenas, the matter will stand to be heard on 21st and 22nd of August,” said Judge Collin Lamont.
“All existing orders to remain in place.”
As Krejcir, dressed in a black suit, made his way up the stairs to the courtroom from the holding cells he turned around to look for his wife.
Court was already in session with Lamont addressing the lawyers present. Krejcir said “Morning” before he sat down.
More than 10 heavily armed police officers, most in uniform, kept an eye on proceedings, with more officers outside.
In June, the case was postponed because some of the accused still needed to sort out their legal representation, and some papers still had to be filed.
National police commissioner Riah Phiyega, detective Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba, crime intelligence boss Chris Ngcobo, as well as forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan had to file papers on why they were challenging subpoenas served on them by Krejcir's lawyers on June 23.
Arguments on the subpoenas were expected to be heard on Monday.
Phiyega was required to produce all documentation, which led to her reportedly ordering the arrest of Krejcir and one of his co-accused, Desai Luphondo, in November last year.
The subpoena served on O'Sullivan, who is alleged to have assisted police in their investigation, required him to produce all documentation linked to his investigation.
His cellphone provider was subpoenaed to provide all his call and text records from June last year to February 2014, and it had done so.
Krejcir, Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel “Saddam” Maropeng and George Nthoroane, and Jan Lefu Mofokeng and Siboniso Miya face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and dealing in drugs.
They allegedly kidnapped Bheki Lukhele from his Katlehong home in June last year.
He testified how he was bound, blindfolded, assaulted and had boiling water poured over him - allegedly by Krejcir - in an attempt to force him to reveal the whereabouts of his brother Doctor.
Doctor had allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik (methamphetamine) which he had been tasked to transport to Australia, allegedly for Krejcir.
All the accused have denied involvement in the matter.
Ximba's name has repeatedly come up in the trial with two State witness admitting to being friends with him.
He was also issued a subpoena, ordering him to produce cellphone records as well his vehicle tracking records and that of his driver.
Ngcobo had to produce records taken from tracking devices of the East Rand organised crime unit's fleet of cars.
He would need to provide information on which of his officers were using them in June last year, when Lukhele was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted.
On Monday, Lamont postponed the actual trial to Tuesday because Maropeng was not in court.
Krejcir's lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, said the State would call a new witness.
After court, Krejcir kissed his wife before she gave him food. A police officer unpacked and searched all the items before Krejcir was allowed to take it.
Sapa