Johannesburg - Radovan Krejcir is displeased. Since he was convicted of attempted murder, kidnapping and drug dealing on August 24, he’s been waiting patiently in prison for the sentencing proceedings that will determine exactly how long he’s set to stay behind bars.
However, he’s not waiting for Johannesburg High Court Judge Colin Lamont’s sentence, but rather the opportunity to appeal against it and the conviction.
On Friday, at the high court, Krejcir was friendly with the group of journalists gathered in the gallery. “Hi guys!” he said loudly, adjusting the leather jacket that has, since his incarceration last year, become a few sizes too large.
When one of the group asked how he was, he said: “I am not well.”
“Why?”
“Because of this conviction,” he quickly responded.
Krejcir and his five co-accused were involved in the kidnapping and torture of Bhekithemba Lukhele, whose brother, Bhekisizwe Doctor Nkosi, had stolen and fled with a large supply of crystal meth from Krejcir that was originally set to be sold in Australia.
Judge Lamont’s conviction last month was damning, but after the judgment, Krejcir still insisted he was innocent.
“Lies and hate have won over truth and the love,” he said as he descended into the cells.
On Friday, while sentencing proceedings appeared set to go ahead, it was revealed that Krejcir’s lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, had to be hospitalised for knee surgery, meaning that the mitigating arguments were unable to proceed.
While the sentencing was provisionally postponed until October 12, Krejcir’s irritation was written on his face.
“Obviously, I am not happy with this postponement, because I want to appeal,” he said.
But even if Krejcir is successful in his appeal, which itself could take many months, he’s still facing three other active criminal cases – with police promising more.
Saturday Star