Johannesburg - Cross-examination of the man allegedly kidnapped, assaulted, and tortured by Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five others concluded on Thursday in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge.
State witness Bheki Lukhele testified that Warrant Officer George Nthoroane showed him his police badge before assaulting him and aiding in his kidnapping from his Katlehong home in June last year.
Lukhele had told the police that Nthoroane was a dark, tall, hefty man with a pointy nose. Riaan Gissing, for Nthoroane and two others, said this described millions of black people.
Gissing submitted that his client would deny ever being part of an assault or kidnapping.
“His cellphone records, if required, will show his location on the night of the alleged assault.”
Gissing said his client did not regard himself as dark, did not have a pointy nose, and was not tall.
“I can't dispute that... It's how he sees himself,” a soft-spoken Lukhele said in Zulu through an interpreter.
He has told the court he was kidnapped from his home by men looking for his brother, Doctor, and assaulted. Lukhele said Krejcir poured boiling water over his head.
After being held captive for several days he was released and left at a stadium near Katlehong.
Lukhele was in witness protection and the court has ordered that his image not be shown on television or in print media.
Doctor allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik, allegedly belonging to Krejcir. Doctor had worked for a cargo company at the OR Tambo International Airport and had been tasked with transporting the drugs to Australia.
Krejcir, Desai Luphondo, warrant officers Samuel Maropeng and Nthoroane, as well as Jan Lefu Mofokeng, and Siboniso Miya have been charged with Lukhele’s kidnapping, assault and attempted murder. All six have pleaded not guilty.
Court adjourned for lunch, after which the State was expected to call its next witness.
Sapa