Defence objects to witness statement

Defence objects to witness statement

The murder trial of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir was adjourned again on Thursday when the lawyer for one of the six accused objected to a statement made during the arrest.

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Annelene van den Heever, representing Desai Luphondo and Krejcir, told the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, that Luphondo's statement was not made freely.

 

The State had earlier asked for permission to bring forward an application for admission of bail records of some of the accused.

 

"We are objecting that it was not freely and voluntarily made. It was made under undue influence," Van den Heever said.

 

Judge Colin Lamont then asked if she could give the names of those she believed had influenced Luphondo into making the statement.

 

Van den Heever said she could give the list of names to prosecutor Louis Mashiane.

 

Lamont agreed to break for tea and allow the State to call those believed to have pressured Luphondo into making the statement.

 

Krejcir, 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. All have denied guilt.

 

 (File Photo: Gallo Images) 

 

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