Date now set for Krejcir murder trial

RADOVAN Krejcir’s murder trial is set to begin on Tuesday, although his lawyer is still insisting that he struggles to consult the Czech.

Krejcir and four others – Siboniso Miya, Nkanyiso Mafunda, Simphiwe Memela and Lyubomir Borislav Grigorov – are facing nine counts, including murder, for allegedly killing suspected drug dealer Sam Issa.

The Bedfordview alleged underworld figure was gunned down in his Audi Q7 in 2013, in what the State believes was an argument over debt.

The State has alleged that Krejcir owed Issa R500 000 and chose to have him killed – by hiring Miya and his cohorts – rather than repay him.

Yesterday the five appeared in the Johannesburg High Court. There it was revealed that the trial would be ready to begin on May 3, presided over by Judge Mihloti Winston Msimeki.

Precluded

However, Krejcir’s lawyer, Cliff Alexander, told the court he had been precluded from consulting his client that morning.

A Correctional Services official had even stopped him from greeting him when they met in the courtroom. “I was told I’m not allowed to consult with him,” said Alexander.

Judge Msimeki asked if Alexander had been able to consult Krejcir at all in recent months.

The lawyer replied that there had only been two occasions when he had had access to his client where he was held at Zonderwater Prison.

Judge Msimeki asked that the defence and State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba should work together and find a way to resolve the issue.

This should be achieved before Tuesday’s trial proceedings.