Krejcir case held in-camera

The Czech fugitive’s court appearance will be held with no media present for security reasons.

The Czech fugitive’s court appearance will be held with no media present for security reasons. Picture: Christa van der Walt/EWN.

Mandy Wiener | 2113 days ago

JOHANNESBURG - Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir is making an appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court behind closed doors and away from the media.

There has been chaos at the court on the East Rand and as a result the court building has been cleared and a special tactical police team has secured the courtroom.

Prosecutors say they want the appearance to be held in-camera for unspecified security reasons.

Krejcir was arrested on Friday evening and is facing a charge of attempted murder and kidnapping relating to a case reported in June.

He was taken to court in a convoy of cars and escorted by officers into the building through a side door.

No media are being allowed in.

Prosecutors say this is for security reasons, but it's unclear if this is based on a specific threat.

The matter is expected to be postponed until next week Monday for a formal bail application.

The state is also expected to add more charges against Krejcir and his unnamed co-accused.

HAWKS HAVE A 'STRONG CASE'

Questions have once again been raised as to why it took police so long to arrest the Czech fugitive in light of his alleged links to a string of underworld killings.

But amid criticism about why it took law enforcement officials so long, the Hawks have assured they have a strong case against him.

Hawks spokesperson Paul Ramaloko said people mustn't be surprised if more charges are levelled against Krejcir in the near future.

He said a top East Rand police official was not keeping Krejcir in the loop about investigations against him, adding Colonel Francois Steyn was only instructed to keep Krejcir informed about a case involving an attempted hit on the businessman's life.

KREJCIR'S APPARENT TORTURE

Krejcir is expected to find out later this morning if the South Gauteng High Court will allow him to be transferred to a medical facility.

His lawyers say the police acted unlawfully when arresting him as they couldn't produce any warrant of arrest or identify themselves.

Krejcir claims he was suffocated with a plastic bag and shocked repeatedly with a taser gun in an isolated area while surrounded by around 20 police officers.

His lawyer Ulrich Roux said it remains unclear why the police would torture his client.

"It speaks volumes to the fact that the police thought they would do this and it wouldn't come out."

During the early hours of this morning, the South Gauteng High Court heard Krejcir's urgent application to be moved to a medical facility for treatment.

But the state's doctor argued his injuries don't warrant urgent care.

Timeline

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