Some may think Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir is a magician because he evaded the law for years.
But apppearing in two courts‚ nearly 30 km apart‚ at the same time for different crimes is a challenge even the alleged underworld boss may struggle to meet.
Krejcir is scheduled to appear in the High Court at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court‚ on the outskirts of Katlehong‚ today for the start of a trial on charges of conspiracy to commit murder‚ robbery with aggravated circumstances‚ theft and more.
The charges against Krejcir and his eight co-accused relate to last year’s failed assassination attempt of Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba‚ a senior police officer investigating Krejcir‚ and Paul O’Sullivan‚ a private investigator also after the Czech.
His co-accused include taxi boss Siboniso Miya‚ Nandi Nkosi‚ a crime intelligence officer accused of supplying information to the alleged hit squad‚ and Bulgarian national Luyubomir Borislavov Grigorov who is Krejcir’s alleged “right-hand man”.
Krejcir also faces an additional murder charge in connection with the murder of debt collector Phumlani Ncube‚ whose bullett-riddled body was found in Heidelberg‚ southeast of Johannesburg‚ in 2013.
But Krejcir’s drugdealing trial is also scheduled to resume in the High Court in Johannesburg’s city centre today.
That trial started with legal guns blazing in May last year but has fizzled out‚ plagued by multiple delays‚ legal challenges and even a suspected drive-by shooting on presiding Judge Colin Lamont.
Krejcir has seemed unfazed throughout‚ joking with journalists and the horde of police officers keeping a watchful eye on him.
Krejcir and his five co-accused – Miya‚ businessman Desai Lupondo and Hawks warrant officers Samuel “Saddam” Maruping‚ Jeff Nthoroane and Jan Mofokeng – have pleaded not guilty to charges of drug dealing‚ kidnapping and attempted murder.
The court has heard how Krejcir poured boiling water over a man’s head in an attempt to force his brother out of hiding. It is believed that the brother‚ who worked at OR Tambo International Airport‚ disappeared with a multimillion-rand shipment of crystal meth belonging to Krejcir and a R70 000 down payment.
Last week‚ Krejcir appeared as the accused in a third case – facing charges in connection with the murder of Lebanese businessman and underworld figure Sam Issa – together with three others in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.
In all three cases‚ Sibonisa Miya appears alongside Krejcir.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Velekhaya Mgobhozi said that Krejcir‚ who is in custody‚ will today first appear in one court‚ where the case will have to be postponed to another day‚ and then be transported by police to the other court.
He said it was not possible to join all the cases against Krejcir and conduct one trial because Krejcir faces charges with different co-accused in every matter.