Johannesburg – Lolly Jackson’s alleged killer George Louka has been granted 40 days to appeal against his extradition to South Africa, The Star reported on Wednesday.

Louka’s lawyer Loukis Loucaides would seek to invalidate Justice Minister Jeff Radebe’s application that compelled his client to be extradited, it reported.

According to the newspaper, the Supreme Court of Appeal in Cyprus ruled on Tuesday that Louka would be in mortal danger if he returned to South Africa. Loucaides reportedly argued that his client would be assassinated upon his return to the country.

The court believed South African authorities would not be able to protect Louka.

Loucaides reportedly said he would not hesitate to approach the European Court of Human Rights, should the extradition be ordered again.

Louka was implicated in the death of Jackson who was shot dead in May 2010. He fled to Cyprus soon after.

Louka had vowed to the Star that he would “never open his mouth” even if he were to be extradited. He had claimed “important people” would be brought down if he had to tell the full story of Jackson’s murder.

Only a witness

Eyewitness News reported on Wednesday that Louka claimed he was only a witness to Jackson’s murder, and had tried to report the crime, not confess to it.

He allegedly phoned former Gauteng crime intelligence head Joey Mabasa on the night that Jackson was shot dead, and then left the country.

Louka’s said his client believed the alleged murderer was in a corrupt relationship with a top policeman, and he feared for his life.

SAPA