Krejcir, co-accused in drug trade: State

Czech businessman Radovan Krejcir. File photo: Chris Collingridge

Czech businessman Radovan Krejcir. File photo: Chris Collingridge

Published Dec 2, 2013

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Johannesburg - Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and his three co-accused were involved in the kidnapping and assault of a man whose brother was their drug pusher at OR Tambo International Airport, the Palm Ridge Regional Court heard on Monday.

The State alleged the victim was kidnapped by Hawks members Warrant Officers Samuel Modise Maropeng, 41, and George Jeff Nthoroane, 46, in June.

“Accused number two (Desai Luphondo) had been a drug pusher for accused one (Krejcir),” prosecutor Louis Mashiane read from an affidavit by the investigating officer.

Mashiane said the investigating officer was part of a task team established by national police commissioner Riah Phiyega to investigate the Czech businessman and his associates in the police.

The court heard that Luphondo, Maropeng and Mathoroane went looking for a man named Doctor at his home. Doctor's job was allegedly to make sure drugs got through at the airport.

The two policemen were in uniform. They did not find Doctor, but found his brother instead.

The court heard that Krejcir gave Luphondo 25kg of crystal meth to ship to Australia via OR Tambo International Airport, in Kempton Park.

Doctor gave Luphondo clearance receipts then disappeared. The consignment did not reach Australia.

Krejcir allegedly instructed the policemen to look for Doctor again and, if they could not find him, to kidnap any of his relatives.

Doctor's brother was taken to the premises of Krejcir's company Money Point, where he was assaulted, the court was told. Krejcir allegedly poured boiling water on his head.

“He was kept at Money Point for four days. Krejcir suggested to the three that the brother be killed so that Doctor can attend his funeral, so that they can be able to kidnap him,” Mashiane told the court.

According to the investigating officer's affidavit, Krejcir demanded that Doctor be found or that he be repaid R24 million, the estimated fetching price of the crystal meth.

Mashiane said Doctor's brother was later abandoned in Thokoza, on the East Rand. He had been severely assaulted.

The State is opposing bail.

The hearing continues.

Sapa

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