Krejcir witness disputes statement

Rodavan Krejcir appears at the Palm Ridge magistrates court for a fresh application for bail. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 24/02/2014

Rodavan Krejcir appears at the Palm Ridge magistrates court for a fresh application for bail. Picture: Antoine de Ras, 24/02/2014

Published May 14, 2014

Share

Johannesburg - The first State witness testifying in the trial of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five others in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, disputed parts of his statement on Wednesday.

In his statement, Vusi Msimango said he was involved in a “squabble” with Krejcir and another man. Msimango told the court he could not have used the word “squabble” when giving his statement.

“I don't even know what the word means,” said Msimango. He was being cross-examined by Annelene van den Heever, for Krejcir.

Msimango said Krejcir had asked him about his relationship with a police officer named Nkosana “Killer” Ximba.

“I said, yes, I know him very, very well,” Msimango said.

Krejcir told him he had heard Ximba was “full of s**t”.

“I said, yes, and he is trigger happy.”

Krejcir became tense when he was told Ximba could arrest him, as South Africa was not a lawless country like some other foreign nations, Msimango said.

“Krejcir said 'no police can arrest me',” Msimango said.

Krejcir chuckled at this statement and turned to look at his wife Katerina Krejcirova in the public gallery.

Krejcir, Desai Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Jess Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng, and Siboniso Miya face charges of dealing in drugs, attempted murder, and kidnapping. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Msimango testified that he had been recruited to help find a man named Doctor who worked for a cargo company at the OR Tambo International airport. He allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik which he was tasked to help transport to Australia.

The six allegedly kidnapped and tortured Doctor's brother Bheki Lukhele in a bid to get to Doctor. Lukhele was then dumped alive near a Katlehong stadium.

The trial continues.

Sapa

Related Topics: