/ 2 December 2013

Krejcir sticks to police torture claims at bail hearing

Radovan Krejcir.
Radovan Krejcir.

Police assaulted and tortured Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir, the Palm Ridge Regional Court in Alberton heard on Monday.

In an affidavit read out by Krejcir's representative during his bail application, Krejcir said he was bundled into a police car and driven to a remote area after his arrest at his Bedfordview, Johannesburg, home in November.

"I was blindfolded, cuffed and transported to a remote area … I was made to kneel, tortured through electrocution and the cuffs on my hands were tightened, causing my hands to bruise."

He said a plastic bag was placed on his head. After at least 90 minutes of the alleged torture, Krejcir was driven around Johannesburg and Sandton, he said. He was only detained in a police cell six hours after his arrest.

Krejcir said he laid charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted murder against the police.

Assault charges
Krejcir appeared with Desai Luphondo, and Hawks members, warrant officers Samuel Modise Maropeng (41) and George Jeff Nthoroane (46).

Krejcir wore a black T-shirt, a black jacket and jeans. Maropeng and Nthongoane, looking relaxed, smiled and spoke with their relatives seated behind them. Luphondo sat quietly, and spoke occasionally with Krejcir who sat next to him.

Krejcir, arrested on November 22, and Lupondo, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court last Monday, where proceedings were held in camera for security reasons and postponed for further investigation.

Nthoroane and Maropeng appeared briefly in the same court on Wednesday. They were arrested on Tuesday.

Krejcir faces charges of assault, attempted murder and kidnapping related to an incident in June.

The bail hearing continues.