Rightwingers behind a suspected plot to overthrow the government do not represent white opinion in South Africa, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said on Saturday.
”The vast majority of white South Africans support stability and a constitutional state. We are satisfied about that,” said Lekota at Johannesburg International Airport.
”But we will pursue these small elements because they can cause huge damage. If they smash infra-structure like dams… we cannot stomach that.”
Police discovered a major arms cache in Limpopo on Friday, which they believe is linked to an alleged plot by rightwingers to unseat the government.
The cache, which included 16 powerful home-made bombs, was found buried on a farm in Modimolle (Nylstroom) following an intensive intelligence gathering operation.
The find included 16 ammonia nitrate cylinder bombs — between 20 and 45 litres in size.
Police have so far arrested 12 men in connection with the alleged rightwing coup plot. They are to stand trial on charges of terrorism and treason in the Pretoria High Court next year.
Lekota, national chairman of the African National Congress, said his party opted for a constitutional solution in the early 90s partly because it felt continued violence would only undermine the country.
”We can’t allow elements now, who have a full democratic right to popularise their ideas, to destroy lives and the stability of our country.”
Lekota added: ”So we are pursuing these rightwingers with determination. It does not matter who is involved in this, the law will take its course.”
National police representative Director Phuti Setati said to his knowledge no arrests had yet been made by Saturday afternoon.
Setati would not say how the latest find was linked to an alleged rightwing coup d’etat plot.
”I cannot elaborate on that at this stage, but intensive police investigations are underway,” he said.
Police have so far arrested 12 men in connection with the alleged rightwing coup d’etat plot. They are to stand trial on charges of terrorism and treason in the Pretoria High Court next year. ? Sapa