Johannesburg – Czech fugitive and businessman Radovan Krejcir denied any association with a man who was shot and killed in Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg on Saturday.

Police have identified the man as Bassam Issa.

“I did not have any association with the man, I only [knew] him as a resident of Bedfordview,” Krejcir told Sapa.

Earlier, Eyewitness News reported that the man was an associate of Krejcir’s.

“I only know him as a lonely man, who was always alone. I feel sorry for him but what can we do,” Krejcir added.

He said he was woken up by the news of Issa’s death and reports of his apparent association to him.

“You must not lie to people, I don’t know this man. We [didn’t] have any deals or business together.”

The 51-year-old man was killed in a shoot-out in Smith Street, Bedfordview.

Police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said Issa was gunned down while waiting at a robot in his car.

“The car [an Audi Q7] stopped at the robots and a Ford Ranger stopped next to him and opened fire. The victim tried to retaliate,” Mogale said.

“The Ranger fled the scene shortly after.”

Paramedics declared Issa dead on the scene.

Police were investigating but no suspects or leads were immediately being pursued.

– SAPA