Krejcir judge concerned about knife in court

NEWS 24

Johannesburg - The judge in Czech fugitiveRadovan Krejcir's trial expressed safety concerns following the discovery of a bread knife at court, The Star reported on Wednesday.

"There's an additional matter that concerns my security, which is under investigation, as a result of an incident which occurred yesterday [Monday]," Judge Colin Lamont was quoted as saying.

"[It] either constitutes a serious attack on me personally or it's an accident , but we don't know which it is."

This followed the discovery of a knife in the presence of Krejcir and his lawyers in a consultation room on Monday. The matter is being investigated.

It was not clear whether Lamont's comments were related to the knife as he did not elaborate.

Krejcir's lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, said she had brought cake from her birthday celebrations and the knife was in the box.

Lamont asked: "What would've happened if that knife had been used by somebody? It's a dangerous weapon."

Lamont had also been told a kettle heating element was found previously in a parcel given to Krejcir at court.

Krejcir, Desai Luphondo, Warrant Officers Samuel "Saddam" Maropeng and George Nthoroane, Jan Lefu Mofokeng, and Siboniso Miya face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and dealing in drugs.

Hot water was allegedly poured on one victim. All have denied guilt.

Lamont said he would tighten security on all packages.