Crane's friend 'under guard'

2003-11-11 22:15

Lizel Steenkamp en Martina Smit

Johannesburg - The woman passenger who was shot in the hand when Hazel Crane was assassinated in her car has been placed under police guard. Police are also keeping her identity highly secret.

The woman has to testify in the case against Lior Saat, 33, who is reported to be a member of the Israeli mafia.

He has been linked to the murder of Crane's estranged husband, Shai Avissar, in October 1999.

Meanwhile, a police reservist who has been working in Abottsford in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, said the attack and murder of Hazel Crane came as "no surprise".

"We saw it coming. An attack on her life a few months ago was a wake-up call. I am surprised that she did not have a bodyguard with her on Monday."

Crane, a well-known socialite and close friend of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and the 48-year-old woman were attacked on their way to Johannesburg High Court.

A "white attacker" was waiting for them at a stop street near Crane's house and shot her in the head, chest, leg and arm. She died from her wounds at Milpark Hospital later.

Might have to revise security

Superintendent Christ Wilken said on Tuesday that Crane earlier refused police protection - possibly because it would have restricted her movements.

Crane was to have been a key witness in the Saat trial.

Police indicated that the security measures at the trial could be revised.

"We are taking the entire situation, especially surrounding the trial, into account," said Wilken.

"The security measures could be stepped up if necessary. We should be prepared for anything."

He said the safety of other people who were involved in the trial also would be discussed.

There were still no breakthroughs in the murder investigation by Tuesday evening.

- Beeld