Czech businessman Radovon Krejcir’s advocate on Thursday read out an affidavit in court explaining how he had come to be in South Africa.
Krejcir is appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on fraud charges relating to a R4,5-million claim he allegedly made to an insurance company after managing to obtain medical papers stating he had cancer.
In his affidavit Krejcir said he had been forced to leave the Czech Republic because his life was in danger.
His wife Katerina, son Denis and mother Nadezda were present in court.
Krejcir, wearing a grey pinstripe suite, kept turning around to smile at his family while his defence attorney read out his affidavit.
There was a heavy police presence outside the court ahead of Krejcir’s appearance.
State prosecutor Riegal Du Toit arrived at court with four policemen carrying R5 rifles.
This is part of the 24-hour protection assigned to him after his name was found on a hit-list during a raid on Krejcir’s house last week.
Four names were on the list, including Cyril Beeka, who was gunned down in Cape Town about two weeks ago, security consultant Paul O’Sullivan and Du Toit.
Krejcir is also being questioned about the death of underworld boss Beeka.
Beeka was at the top of the list found in Krejcir’s Bedfordview home.
Court proceedings are continuing. – Sapa