Czech fugitive Krejcir fails in bid to have judge recuse

himself
Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir on Monday represented himself in the South Gauteng High Court as
sentencing resumed in his kidnapping, attempted murder and dealing in drugs case.
Krejcir fired his lawyer, attorney Nardus Grove, before the sentencing could get under way.
The Czech fugitive, who appeared with five other accused, then unsuccessfully tried to have Judge
Colin Lamont recuse himself, alleging bias, dishonesty and part of a conspiracy against him.
Krejcirs co-accused include Desai Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel Modise Maropeng, George
Jeff Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng and Siboniso Miya.
In October 2015 Krejcir was found guilty of ordering the kidnap and torture of Bheki Lukhele, whose
brother, Doctor, had allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik. Doctor worked at a cargo company at
OR Tambo International Airport.
On Monday with some degree of difficulty, Krejcir spoke in English as he gave evidence in mitigation
of sentence.
Krejcir said Lamont should recuse himself because the judge had thought he had wanted to kill him
after Lamont had had an incident on his way home.
Why will I try to kill you? Why would you only mention my name when there are other accused?
Krejcir asked. He denied being involved in any plot to kill the judge.
After Lamont dismissed the application to recuse himself, he asked Krejcir to tell him about himself
and his responsibilities.
Krejcir said he had studied for a degree in economics in his home country and came to South Africa
in 2007. He said he has been married for 25 years and had two sons a six-year-old and a-23-year-old
who was deported from South Africa. Krejcir said he assumed his mother was looking after his other
son and wife.

Krejcir (47) said he had millions overseas.

Dressed in a white T-shirt and in handcuffs, Krejcir cut a lonely figure in the court where numerous
armed police officers kept watch.
State prosecutor Louis Mashiyane said it had no objection the judge standing down the matter to
allow Krejcir to get a Czech interpreter and to bring witnesses.
Judge Lamont took a short adjournment to consider Krejcirs request for a postponement. African
News Agency (ANA)
http://mg.co.za/article/2016-02-22-czech-fugitive-krejcir-fails-in-bid-to-have-judge-recuse-himself/