Police have arrested five of the six men wanted in connection with October’s Soweto and Bronkhorstpruit bombings and unearthed explosives ”clearly designed to kill”, a statement said on Wednesday.
Some of the suspects were arrested in Rietondale, Pretoria, on Tuesday night, the office of the national commissioner said in a statement.
Another suspect was arrested on Wednesday morning in East Lynne, elsewhere in the city, while two other suspects were apprehended on a farm in Limpopo at about midday.
In October police released identikits of six men: Wilhelm Pretorius (25), Rudie Gouws (25), Herman van Rooyen (28), Kobus Pretorius (29), Johan Pretorius (31), and Gerhardus ”Vissie” Visagie (63). Police said they wanted to question the men in connection with the Soweto and Bronkhorstpruit bombings.
The five men arrested are believed to be the same men that police have been looking for. The sixth man, Gerhardus ”Vissie” Visagie (63), is believed to be still at large.
The Pretorius men are all brothers, and the sons of medical doctor Johan ”Lets” Pretorius — arrested earlier this year after police confiscated a truck containing weapons and medical equipment.
Warrants of arrest were issued two months ago on charges of terrorism, high treason and sabotage. Police suspected they had links to the right-wing Boeremag organisation.
The statement said 384kg of explosives were seized during the Pretoria arrests and about 500kg during those in Limpopo.
”Firearms, including an R4 assault rifle and pistols, as well as other military type equipment and time delay devices were also recovered by the police. Several vehicles have also been seized.”
Forensic tests were being conducted on the items, the statement said. Four other people were also arrested in the operation, but would not be named until they appeared in court. All nine would appear in court shortly.
The office thanked the public, farmers and local pastors who have kept the investigation team abreast of unusual activities and developments in their communities.
”A special word of thanks to all members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) whose dedication and commitment certainly prevented a heinous crime/crimes from being committed that undoubtedly would have led to loss of human life,” the statement said.
”The explosives that were uncovered over the past 24 hours were clearly designed to kill and create mayhem.”
The office warned any persons providing safe passage to, or assisting Visage, would face strict action.
SAPS crime intelligence division head, Divisional Commissioner Rayman Lalla, said the police ”never” doubted they would arrest the men. It was just a matter of time.
”Let this be a warning to those harbouring violent fantasies that are aimed at destroying our constitutional order — violence will never be tolerated by the SAPS.”
Police have since last month been involved in operations to flush out right-wing extremists against the background of recent bombings in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal — and threats of revenge attacks over the festive season.
At least some of the bombings have been blamed on the right-wing Boeremag organisation, which allegedly had plans to overthrow the government.
Eighteen men, including Lets Pretorius and alleged Boeremag leader Tom Vorster, are to stand trial in the Pretoria High Court on charges of treason and terrorism in May next year.
Others are facing weapons and explosives charges after a raid in late November under the banner of Operation Hopper on farms and homes countrywide.
A statement purportedly issued by the Boeremag last month threatened attacks over the festive season — hinting that state buildings would be among the targets. – Sapa