Johannesburg - An alleged plot to assassinate witnesses in the upcoming Sam Issa murder trial has been foiled.
Detectives believe they have arrested a man hired by the men accused of the murder, including Czech businessman Radovan Krejcir.
Issa, an alleged major drug dealer, was shot execution-style in Bedfordview in 2013.
He was linked to Krejcir, an alleged underworld kingpin, and according to reports, was seen outside his home the night before his death.
Krejcir, Siboniso Miya, Nkanyiso Mafunda and Simphiwe Memela have been charged with Issa’s death, as well as conspiracy to kill private investigator Paul O’Sullivan. Krejcir is also on trial for another kidnapping and attempted murder.
On Thursday, the police stormed the Shell Ultra City on the M2, having tracked down the man they believe was hired to murder at least five key witnesses in Issa’s trial, due to start on Monday.
The 40-year-old is understood to be Miya’s uncle, Sakhile Bhengu, and was apparently set to pick up the guns to be used in the hits.
The police were expecting further arrests, according to provincial police spokesman Brigadier Vish Naidoo.