Johannesburg - The security around Radovan Krejcir’s court cases has massively increased, after police discovered that the Czech businessman has multiple plots in play to escape from prison.
The sentencing proceedings for Krejcir and his five co-accused were set to start on Monday in the high court in Joburg, but the usual SAPS team monitoring the court had more than doubled.
Last month, Krejcir’s cell at the 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, Mozambique and eventually Argentina.
However, national police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale told The Star on Monday that this wasn’t the only escape attempt Krejcir had been planning. This, he said, was why security had 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 on Monday morning. The police apparently became aware of this over the weekend.
Makgale said intelligence sources had revealed that Krejcir has repeatedly 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.
“We know that he wants to escape. He realises the court proceedings have come to a certain point and he believes his only option is to escape,” Makgale said.
While police have several leads on those who were and are set to assist Krejcir in his alleged escape plots, Makgale said no arrests had been made. Numerous witnesses and possible suspects were being interviewed by investigators.
“He is getting help from fellow inmates and Correctional Services (officials)… There will be arrests in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Krejcir’s legal team have lodged a formal request at the high court in Pretoria to have him transferred to another prison. The application was set to be heard on Monday.
Makgale said the police were aware of this transfer application, but that if it was successful, it would be up to Correctional Services to ensure he doesn’t try to make any escape attempts upon being moved.
Krejcir has been convicted on charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and drug dealing.
The case was postponed to October 28.
The Star