Allegedly tortured man leaves safe house to testify

THE man allegedly tortured by Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir left the safe haven of protective custody yesterday to testify against the controversial businessman and his co-accused.

Krejcir and his five co-accused, including three Hawks officers, are accused of kidnapping and torturing East Rand businessman Bhekithemba Lukele in June last year.

Krejcir, Hawks warrant officers Samuel “Saddam” Maruping, Jeff Nthoroane and Jan Mofokeng, as well as Desai Lupondo and taxi boss Siboniso Miya have pleaded not guilty in the Johannesburg High Court to charges of dealing in drugs, kidnapping and attempted murder.

Lukele, who took the witness stand for the first time yesterday under police guard, identified Krejcir as his attacker by pointing to him in the dock.

Krejcir and his co-accused allegedly slapped, kicked, blindfolded and poured boiling water over Lukele’s head in a bid to learn the whereabouts of Lukele’s brother, known only as “Doctor”. Last week the court heard how Krejcir and his co-accused were allegedly after “Doctor”, an O R Tambo International Airport employee, who they believed disappeared with Krejcir’s shipment of tik, headed for Australia.

Lukele underwent cross-examination by Krejcir’s lawyer, Annalene van den Heever.

The case continues today. — wagnerle@timesmedia.co.za