Johannesburg - The State has spent at least R2.9 million on security on the one criminal case that has so far been successful against Radovan Krejcir.
And this figure is likely much lower than the full cost incurred by the government to ensure the Czech businessman doesn’t escape from prison, while also protecting those presiding over his cases.
Krejcir and five co-accused were convicted earlier this year for attempted murder and kidnapping of the brother of a man who stole a major shipment of drugs from the Czech fugitive.
Throughout the 142 days of trial proceedings, a perpetual security presence surrounded the high court in Joburg, with at least 10 SAPS crime intelligence and tactical response team officers monitoring proceedings.
However, after Krejcir was convicted in late August, the SAPS confirmed he had constructed multiple plots to escape from prison, prompting a major upgrade to his security.
The first attempt was discovered and foiled in September. At Krejcir’s next court appearance, the security presence had more than doubled.
A high-ranking police official said the lowest ranking police warrant officers of the tactical teams monitoring such cases are paid R1 000 a day for their services.
This means that in the first 142 days of the trial, plus the subsequent two appearances for conviction and a sentencing postponement, the State spent at least R1 440 000.
Of course, this number could be much higher if officers of higher ranks were used as part of the security team.
In the following three sentencing postponements over the past month, one can add another R60 000 to the bill if only 20 officers presided over each appearance. However, this too may be too low an estimate, as 22 officers were spotted inside the court - while numerous others were placed outside the court for the most recent postponement.
However, the cost continues to skyrocket when one considers the dozens of other appearances Krejcir has made in other courts on the three other criminal cases he currently faces.
At the end of July last year, police spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed that the security surrounding presiding Judge Colin Lamont had been beefed up after concerns were raised about the judge’s safety.
The Star understands that Judge Lamont has been given 24-hour protection since then, meaning another major cost to the State. While queries were sent to the office of the chief justice regarding such security, the judiciary chose to remain mum on this issue.
“Due to the sensitivities around the security and protection of judges, we will not be able to give you the duration attached to a security detail to any judge. As you may understand, this may impact on the actual security of the judge should it be made public, as such we would not be able to provide you with the budgetary costs,” the deputy director of communications at the Office of the Chief Justice, Lusanda Ntuli, said.
However, a private security company has provided a rough estimate of what such services could cost.
According to Paulo Calisto, of Supreme Bodyguarding and Security Services, government VIP security generally costs about R1 500 a day per guard.
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