Johannesburg - A man allegedly linked to the attempted murder of investigators in the case against Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Several armed men, dressed in civilian clothing and wearing bulletproof vests entered the courtroom ahead of Owen Serrero's case.
According to the charge sheet, he faced three charges of robbery with aggravated circumstances, two charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, three of theft of motor vehicles and one of contravention of road traffic laws, another of interfering with an investigation and one of escaping from custody.
Serrero told the court he had appointed Victor Nkwashu, who was representing him in other criminal cases, to represent him in this case.
The court allowed for Serrero's current case to be joined to some of the others he was facing.
Speaking to media outside court, Nkwashu said he had yet to receive the complete charge sheet for the other cases his client was facing.
The case was postponed to January 29.
Serrero's request to be moved to another police station was also granted by the court on Wednesday.
Nkwashu told media that his client had wanted to be moved as he was assaulted by police officers where he was currently being held.
“He is being moved for his own safety,” said Nkwashu.
He indicated that Serrero had injuries to soft tissues, and bruises.
They intended to lay a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm against the police.
Serrero was also part of a group of people arrested in connection with the attempted murder of investigators of Krejcir's case.
Krejcir and three other men were arrested in November for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a man whose brother, known only as “Doctor”, disappeared with a 25kg shipment of tik he had been recruited to help smuggle through OR Tambo International Airport.
They allegedly kept the man at Krejcir's Money Point business in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, for four days, and assaulted him.
Sapa