Pretoria - National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, has welcomed the conviction of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir, saying it sends out a loud message that South Africa cannot be used as a backyard for criminal activities.
Krejcir was found guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping by the High Court in Johannesburg, on Monday.
South Gauteng High Court Judge Colin Lamont also found him guilty of intent to deal in drugs.
Krejcir's co-accused Desai Luphondo, Siboniso Miya and former Warrant Officers George Nthoroane, Samuel Maropeng and Jan Lefu Mofokeng were also found guilty of kidnapping and attempted murder of Bheki Lukhele of Katlehong, in Ekurhuleni.
"Today's conviction should send a loud message to people from anywhere in the world that South Africa cannot be used as a backyard for criminal activities and for fugitives to run to.
“We believe that once his trials are over, Bedfordview and the circles he was moving in will be much safer places for law abiding people to move, and that the horror stories so often mentioned in the same sentence with his name will be a thing of the past," said General Phiyega on Monday.
Phiyega thanked the investigating team for their hard work.
“I know that it was a difficult undertaking and huge risk to their personal safety but nonetheless they didn't let that deter them.”
Regarding the conviction of the three Hawks members, Phiyega said it was a matter of serious concern.
“There is a no doubt that there are more police officers involved in criminality linked to Krejcir.”
Sentencing in the above conviction will be heard on 11 September 2015.
Since he was arrested in November 2013, Krejcir has been attending one trial after another.
Apart from this conviction, Krejcir is still facing two murder charges and another of conspiracy to murder. - SAnews.gov.za
