This came after the matter was postponed last month, as lawyers of the accused claimed documents needed for mitigation of sentence were not yet ready.

High-security measures are again expected at court after police previously foiled what they say was an attempt by Krejcir to escape custody.

Officers seized several items from his cell during a raid, including a gun.

Last month a woman, claiming to be an estate agent visiting Krejcir in jail, was arrested after a cellphone rang in a pair of shoes she had brought for him.

Krejcir was accused of ordering the kidnap and torture of Bheki Lukhele, whose brother, Doctor, had allegedly disappeared with 25kg of tik. Doctor worked at a cargo company at OR Tambo International Airport.

According to previous testimony, Doctor disappeared with the tik he was supposed to get to Australia.

Judge Colin Lamont found Krejcir, Luphondo, Maropeng, Mofokeng and Miya guilty of the attempted murder of Lukhele. Nthoroane was found guilty only of common assault.

Lamont found all six men guilty on kidnapping charges.

Luphondo was the only one found guilty of dealing in drugs, while Krejcir and Miya were found guilty of the intent to deal in drugs.

This was the first conviction against Krejcir in the country. He is on trial in four separate matters in South African courts.

-News24.com