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Mangaung treason trial: Judgment on October 8─── SABRINA DEAN 18:11 Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Bloemfontein - Mangaung treason accused Johan Prinsloo is expected to learn his fate next month after Free State High Court Judge Mojalefa Rampai postponed the case to October 8 for judgment.
Prinsloo is accused of plotting to kill the ANC leadership during its 2012 elective conference in Mangaung.
With his wife and daughter in the public gallery to support him, accused Johan Prinsloo listened intently as State Advocate Torie Pretorius told the court there is sufficient evidence to convict Prinsloo of either high treason, or an alternate charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism.
With his wife and daughter in the public gallery to support him, accused Johan Prinsloo listened intently as State Advocate Torie Pretorius told the court there is sufficient evidence to convict Prinsloo of either high treason, or an alternate charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism.
He said certain admissions by Prinsloo, such as his strong Afrikaner patriotism, serve to provide motive for the charges and added the testimony of special task force member Andries Botha, is particularly damning for the accused because it proves he knew more than he should have about the conspiracy.
Defence advocate Johann Nel meanwhile countered by saying there is not sufficient objective evidence for a conviction. Nel also questioned the integrity of several witnesses.
Prinsloo’s co-accused Mark Trollip is currently serving an eight year sentence after he signed a plea bargain agreement with the state.
Prinsloo’s co-accused Mark Trollip is currently serving an eight year sentence after he signed a plea bargain agreement with the state.
Charges were withdrawn against a third accused, Hein Boonzaier, while a fourth accused, Martin Keevy, was found unfit to stand trial following psychiatric evaluation.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
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