Shain Germaner
JOHANNESBURG: The security around Radovan Krejcir’s court cases has massively increased after police discovered the Czech businessman has multiple plots in play to escape from prison.
Sentencing for Krejcir and his five co-accused was set to start yesterday at the high court in Joburg, and the usual Saps team had more than doubled in number.
Late last month, Krejcir’s cell at Zonderwater Correctional Centre was raided and several illegal items were discovered hidden inside, including a 9mm pistol, a knife, ammunition, a Taser and 10 cellphones, among others.
It’s understood these items were meant to be used as part of an escape from the facility, with Krejcir allegedly planning to flee to Swaziland, then to Mozambique and eventually to Argentina.
However, national police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale yesterday told the Cape Times’s sister paper The Star that this was not the only escape attempt Krejcir had been planning. This, he said, was why security has been significantly increased.
The Star also understands from another police source that the reason the security had to be upped so quickly was because of an alleged plan by Krejcir to escape yesterday morning. The police apparently became aware of this over the weekend.
Intelligence revealed that Krejcir has perpetually been requesting medical attention from a specific doctor at a specific time and date, which police believe is another window for the Czech businessman to make his escape.
“He realises the court proceedings have come to a certain point, and he believes his only option is to escape,” said Makgale.
While police had several leads on those who were and are set to assist Krejcir in his escape plots, Makgale said no arrests had been made. However, many witnesses and suspects were being interviewed.
“He is getting help from |fellow inmates and correctional services (officials)… There will be arrests in the very near future.”
Meanwhile, Krejcir’s legal team has also lodged a formal request at the high court in Pretoria to have him transferred to another prison. The application is set to be heard today.
Makgale said the police were aware of this application, but that if it was successful, it would be up to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to ensure he did not try to make any escape attempts while being moved.
Krejcir was convicted earlier this year on charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and drug dealing for abducting the brother of one of his business contacts who had fled with a shipment of drugs worth millions.
Yesterday, sentencing had to be postponed after it was revealed the pre-sentencing reports had not yet been received by State or defence.
It is unclear whether the sentencing will be completed by the end of the year.