Sentences imposed must be a deterrent – Krejcir judge
Johannesburg – Judge Colin Lamont told the High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday that he wanted the sentences he imposed on Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir and five other men who had been convicted of a drug-related crime to be used as a deterrent.
He sentenced Krejcir and his co-accused, Sandton businessman Desai Lupondo, to an effective 35 years in prison for the intent to deal drugs, kidnapping as well as attempted murder.
This was related to the Krejcir allegedly ordering the kidnap and torture of Bheki Lukhele, whose brother, Doctor, had apparently disappeared with 25kg of tik.
On Tuesday, the court heard that Krejcir had received the drugs from Lupondo. He had allegedly made an agreement with Doctor to export the drugs to Australia. Doctor worked at a cargo company at OR Tambo International Airport.
Lamont said that out of all three crimes, the drug-related matter was "of a severe nature".