One of the world’s most wanted fugitives has revealed how he lived a normal family life right under the noses of the police.
|||One of the world’s most wanted fugitives today reveals how he lived a normal family life in the Mother City right under the noses of the police.
And the Daily Voice exclusively tells how slain crime boss Cyril Beeka helped shield Serbian hitman Dobrosav Gavric from detection using his cop contacts.
In his own words, Gavric for the first time tells how he came to South Africa in 2008 using a false passport.
In a sworn affidavit obtained by the Daily Voice, the alleged assassin claims he is the victim of a conspiracy involving the highest levels of the Serbian government.
In the explosive 26-page document – which reads like the script of a Hollywood thriller – Gavric reveals how he:
*Fled Serbia after he was “framed” for the murder of notorious warlord and mass murderer Zeljko Raznatovic, better known as “Arkan”.
* Moved to Ecuador in 2006 using a false passport, before illegally entering South Africa two years later;
* Bought and sold a restaurant in Johannesburg using his wife’s name before moving to the Mother City;
* Struck up a close friendship with murdered crime boss Cyril Beeka who protected the fugitive Serb using cop contacts.
* Has suffered serious health problems and had one of his testicles removed in 2009;
* Is convinced he will be murdered if he is extradited back to Serbia.
Gavric this week appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court where he is fighting his extradition.
The hearing also heard dramatic new evidence relating to the murder of Beeka – his killing directly leading to the fugitive’s cover being blown.
The Serb was seriously injured when gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on his car in March 2011, killing Beeka instantly.
Gavric, who was driving the vehicle, says: “I was seriously wounded and spent approximately seven days in hospital. A few days later I was discharged from hospital. I fell ill as a result of the complications. I was re-admitted... and spent another two weeks in hospital and after that for another 10 days.”
Gavric vehemently denies what he describes as “wild allegations” in the Weekend Argus that he is himself a suspect in Beeka’s murder.
“I had nothing to do with the death of Cyril Beeka. I want the perpetrators who killed Cyril Beeka and shot at me to be caught. I am prepared to testify and I am also a complainant in this matter,” he says.
During Gavric’s bail application this week, investigating officer Captain Paul Hendrickse dropped a bombshell when he fingered alleged Sexy Boys gang leader Jerome Booysen as a suspect in Beeka’s murder.
Gavric first met Beeka in 2008.
He says they quickly “became friends” and that the crime boss helped to hide his true identity from the authorities.
“When Cyril visited Cape Town we would usually go out together. I was really fond of Cyril and enjoyed his company. I regarded Cyril as a friend. I heard he was connected to the police and felt that if there was ever a threat on me and my family I would be warned,” Gavric says.
After his cover was blown, the fugitive cooperated with the cops and insists he has no intention of fleeing the country if he is granted bail.
Despite illegally entering the country, Gavric insists escape is not an option now.
“I could have left South Africa long before my real identity became known,” he says.
“I did, however, choose to abide by the legal process and have no intention to become a fugitive.”
He will know his fate on Monday when final arguments on whether or not he should be given bail will be heard.
*This article was published in the Daily Voice