New witness called in Krejcir trial

Johannesburg - A new State witness was called in the trial of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five others in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, on Tuesday.

The witness, Bhekizitha Khumalo, worked with Doctor, the brother of the man whose kidnapping Krejcir had allegedly ordered.

Khumalo testified about his dealings with Doctor, who had allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik (methamphetamine) which he had been tasked with transporting to Australia, allegedly for Krejcir. Doctor worked for a cargo company at OR Tambo International Airport.

Krejcir, Desai Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel "Saddam" Maropeng and George Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng, and Siboniso Miya face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and dealing in drugs.

They allegedly kidnapped Doctor's brother, Bheki Lukhele, from his Katlehong home in June last year, because Doctor had disappeared with the drugs. Lukhele was held at Krejcir's Money Point business in Bedfordview for several days and tortured, allegedly by Krejcir and his accomplices, in a bid to have him reveal Doctor's whereabouts.

Khumalo told the court Doctor had asked him to accompany him to Kempton Park where they collected a black bag from Luphondo.

The court heard during cross examination by prosecutor Louis Masheane, that along the way, the bag was handed to a man driving a white Navara after Doctor had declared that it contained drugs.

"We then drove behind the Navara until I saw a place with nice houses for rich people."

At the premises of one of the houses the bag was opened.

"Inside the bag were 25 little parcels wrapped in silver grey plastic." Khumalo demonstrated with his hands the size of the parcels.

The court heard that Khumalo received a call from Luphondo that night telling him he could not get hold of Doctor and he wanted the bag.

"I told him not to involve me and get hold of Doctor because he is the one he had dealings with."

The following day Doctor informed Khumalo that he had told Luphondo that police took his bag.

"He told me Desai could not stop calling him demanding the bag."

Later that day, they met with Luphondo who told them he wanted the bag because Krejcir was fighting with him.

All the accused have denied involvement in the matter.