Local News
Mangaung treason trial: Judgment on October 8─── SABRINA DEAN 13:16 Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Bloemfontein - Judge Mojalefa Rampai has postponed the Mangaung treason trial to October 8 for judgment after hearing final arguments in the Bloemfontein High Court this morning.
Johan Prinsloo is accused of treason, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism and possession of illegal weapons and ammunition.
He and three others were arrested on December 16, 2012, for allegedly plotting to kill the ANC leadership during its elective conference in Mangaung.
One of the accused, Mark Trollip, signed a plea bargain agreement with the state, while charges were withdrawn against another accused. The third suspect, Martin Keevy, was found unfit to stand trial following psychiatric evaluation.
State Advocate Torie Pretorius asked for a splitting of charges, saying there is sufficient evidence to convict Prinsloo on either a charge of high treason, or an alternate charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism.
Defence Advocate Johann Nel meanwhile argued there is insufficient objective evidence for a conviction.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
