Krejcir lawyer lets fly at State ‘conspiracy’

JOHANNESBURG: Radovan Krejcir’s lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, has accused investigators of manipulating evidence and the State of relying on single witness testimony as part of a conspiracy to keep the Czech fugitive behind bars.

And presiding Judge Colin Lamont warned that her argument could open her up to a series of defamation suits if her claims were not backed up by factual evidence.

Krejcir, Sandton businessman Desai Luphondo and police officers from the East Rand Organised Crime Unit – Samuel “Saddam” Maropeng, George Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng and Jeff Nthoroane – are all on trial at the High Court in Johannesburg.

The group of six men are accused of kidnapping Bhekithemba Lukhele, whose brother, Bhekisizwe Doctor Nkosi, had allegedly stolen a large supply of crystal meth from Krejcir. They face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and drug dealing.

In closing arguments, State advocate Louis Mashiane said that eyewitnesses’ claims against the group warranted a conviction, while Van den Heever insisted there was no hard evidence against her clients, Krejcir and Luphondo.

She said the State relied on single witnesses for key aspects of the case, such as the drug deal where Nkosi was allegedly given the bag containing the drugs.

She added that Lukhele’s own testimony was “of such poor quality that it could not be relied upon”.

Van den Heever also noted contradictions between State doctors and the first doctor’s testimony who examined Lukhele’s injuries.

Investigating officer Captain Freddy Ramuhala was found to have given false testimony and was deemed to be devious in his conduct during the investigation and arrests.