The trial of Radovan Krejcir and five others was disrupted in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, on Tuessday, when the Czech fugitive refused to return to court after lunch.
His lawyer Annelene van den Heever told Judge Collin Lamont that Krejcir had not eaten because security guards stopped his wife from entering the court with his food.
Lamont questioned the head of security and a police officer in charge of the holding cells about this.
"We have a diabetic suspect here. If he doesn't eat on time he could collapse," he said angrily.
"I tried to call the court manager to inform her. She is not answering."
The court adjourned for a few minutes after which Krejcir returned and the matter continued.
Lamont said from Wednesday police would scan and search prisoners' food and it would be brought to court before 9.30am.
Lamont told Van den Heever he would not tolerate her client's behaviour.
"If he has a problem he must address it with me or you."
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.
On Tuesday, Bhekizitha Khumalo was called as the new State witness in the trial.
Khumalo worked with Doctor, the brother of the man whose kidnapping Krejcir had allegedly ordered.
Khumalo testified about his dealings with Doctor, who allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik (methamphetamine) which he had been tasked with transporting to Australia, allegedly for Krejcir. Doctor worked for a cargo company at OR Tambo International Airport.
The six allegedly kidnapped Doctor's brother and tortured him in a bid to have him reveal the man's whereabouts.
Khumalo told the court Doctor had asked him to accompany him to Kempton Park where they collected a black bag from Luphondo.
The court heard during cross-examination by prosecutor Louis Masheane, that along the way the bag was handed to a man driving a white Navara after Doctor had said it contained drugs.
"We then drove behind the Navara until I saw a place with nice houses for rich people."
The bag, containing 25 small parcels wrapped in silver-grey plastic, was opened at one of the houses. Khumalo demonstrated the size of the parcels with his hands.
The court heard that Khumalo received a call from Luphondo that night telling him he could not get hold of Doctor and he wanted the bag.
Khumalo said later that day they met Luphondo who told them he wanted the bag because "Krejcir was fighting with him".
All the accused have denied guilt.
The trial continues.
Krejcir boycotts court over food
The trial of Radovan Krejcir and five others was disrupted in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge, on Tuessday, when the Czech fugitive refused to return to court after lunch.
His lawyer Annelene van den Heever told Judge Collin Lamont that Krejcir had not eaten because security guards stopped his wife from entering the court with his food.
Lamont questioned the head of security and a police officer in charge of the holding cells about this.
"We have a diabetic suspect here. If he doesn't eat on time he could collapse," he said angrily.
"I tried to call the court manager to inform her. She is not answering."
The court adjourned for a few minutes after which Krejcir returned and the matter continued.
Lamont said from Wednesday police would scan and search prisoners' food and it would be brought to court before 9.30am.
Lamont told Van den Heever he would not tolerate her client's behaviour.
"If he has a problem he must address it with me or you."
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.
On Tuesday, Bhekizitha Khumalo was called as the new State witness in the trial.
Khumalo worked with Doctor, the brother of the man whose kidnapping Krejcir had allegedly ordered.
Khumalo testified about his dealings with Doctor, who allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik (methamphetamine) which he had been tasked with transporting to Australia, allegedly for Krejcir. Doctor worked for a cargo company at OR Tambo International Airport.
The six allegedly kidnapped Doctor's brother and tortured him in a bid to have him reveal the man's whereabouts.
Khumalo told the court Doctor had asked him to accompany him to Kempton Park where they collected a black bag from Luphondo.
The court heard during cross-examination by prosecutor Louis Masheane, that along the way the bag was handed to a man driving a white Navara after Doctor had said it contained drugs.
"We then drove behind the Navara until I saw a place with nice houses for rich people."
The bag, containing 25 small parcels wrapped in silver-grey plastic, was opened at one of the houses. Khumalo demonstrated the size of the parcels with his hands.
The court heard that Khumalo received a call from Luphondo that night telling him he could not get hold of Doctor and he wanted the bag.
Khumalo said later that day they met Luphondo who told them he wanted the bag because "Krejcir was fighting with him".
All the accused have denied guilt.
The trial continues.
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