Solly Maphumulo
JOHANNESBURG: Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir was apparently planning to use a firearm found in his prison cell to shoot police officers escorting him to court in order to escape.
This was according to Paul O’Sullivan, who said he received information while he was out of the country about Krejcir’s alleged plot to escape from prison. O’Sullivan said he immediately alerted the police.
“I warned that the escape was planned for next week or upon his (Krejcir’s) next visit out of the Zonderwater prison in Pretoria. I gave the probability of an attempt as greater than 95%,” O’Sullivan told Cape Times sister newspaper The Star yesterday.
Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela confirmed yesterday they had foiled an escape plan on Saturday by inmates that included Krejcir at Zonderwater prison.
“A number of illegal items were discovered and confiscated in different cells during the search operation. These illegal items included cellphones and chargers, a knife, stun devices, a correctional official’s uniform, as well as a firearm and ammunition,” Wolela said.
O’Sullivan, said: “He (Krejcir) was going to use the pistol to shoot the cops that were escorting him on his way to court. This is worse than a movie.” O’Sullivan said.
He also alleged there were officials who had been helping Krejcir with the plot. However, he refused to divulge names, saying it would jeopardise investigations.
Wolela said stringent measures had been instituted to ensue safety and security in custody and public areas. He said that the department “takes this matter (Krecjir’s escape plot) very seriously”.
Wolela said internal and external investigations had been launched by the Correctional Services and the SAPS.
National police spokesman Vish Naidoo said a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as conspiracy to escape from prison had been opened.
Krejcir is facing a charge of conspiracy to murder O’Sullivan and top cop Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba.
He is also facing a list of other charges. He was recently found guilty of kidnapping, drug dealing and attempted murder.
He and his co-accused were involved in the kidnapping of Bhekithemba Lukhele, whose brother, Bhekisizwe Doctor Nkosi ,had stolen and fled with a large supply of drugs worth millions of rand belonging to Krejcir.
The drugs were originally set to be sold in Australia.
He is expected to be sentenced next month. It is believed that Krejcir was planning to escape during his next court appearance.