After more than a month on the run, two men allegedly linked to a rightwing plot to overthrow the government were arrested in the Free State on Friday.
Dirk Jacobus Hanekom (46) and Henk Jacobus van Zyl (37) were apprehended on a farm in the Memel district at 7.30am, said detective services representative Senior Superintendent Martin Aylward.
”They were found in a house on the farm and offered no resistance,” he said.
”Police are also investigating the possibility of charging the farm owner for aiding and abetting wanted fugitives.” During the arrests, police seized ”exhibits”, of which the nature could not be disclosed, Aylward said.
The men are to face charges of terrorism and high treason. They were expected to appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Monday.
”Police are confident that more arrests will follow,” Aylward said.
Police were still searching for a third man, Tom Vorster. Warrants for the arrest of the three men were issued last month and early this month and their photographs were published in newspapers.
Ten other men, including three defence force members, have been arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot. They also face charges of treason and terrorism.
Their trial is to start in the Pretoria High Court in February. Four of them have been freed on R10 000 bail each.
According to court documents, the planned coup was the work of an organisation called ”Boeremag” which intended to take control of the government and chase all blacks out of the country.
Police have also arrested a Limpopo doctor on suspicion of involvement in the plot.
Johan Pretorius is to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court in North West on Thursday next week. He faces charges of contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act.
Pretorius was arrested on Sunday after police seized a truck at Lichtenburg registered in his name. It was allegedly loaded with arms, medical equipment and food. – Sapa