Krejcir cellphone-smuggling operation cracked

A sophisticated operation to smuggle cellphones and memory sticks to imprisoned alleged underworld boss Radovan Krejcir has been uncovered.

Police, along with warders at Pretoria's Kgosi Mampuru II prison, discovered dozens of memory sticks and three phones inside three milk cartons in Krejcir's cell on Wednesday.

"We knew he was communicating with certain individuals outside prison but didn't know how," said a source. "A tip-off led to the discovery."

The cartons did not contain milk.

"Those assisting Krejcir took two condoms filled with water and placed them inside the carton. Wedged tightly between the condoms were the memory sticks and cellphones. The cartons were resealed.

"Investigators are very interested to know what data were stored on the devices and whom he was phoning."

Prison head Zebilo Monama refused to comment.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale confirmed the discovery. He said an iPad was also found in Krejcir's cell. Hundreds of documents were seized in raids on Krejcir's property on Friday.

"We are currently studying these documents," Makgale said.

Krejcir's lawyer, Piet du Plessis, said he could not understand what "the fuss" was about.

"Under the Prisons Act, Krejcir, who is an unsentenced prisoner, is entitled to the same privileges as though he was out on bail.

"We do not support the breach of any regulation but, as long as he is not sentenced, he is entitled to have access to certain things.

"He has a lot of documents to peruse and I do not believe there is anything to it, especially as we have made applications for him to have access to such devices."

Du Plessis hinted that the devices were planted.

Krejcir faces charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and assault.