/ 1 January 2002

Right-wing leader arrested

A senior member of the right-wing group, the Boeremag, will appear on Tuesday in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to face charges of terrorism, high treason and sabotage.

Tom Vorster (52) was arrested in Gauteng on Monday night following an intensive intelligence-driven police investigation, Police Director Sally de Beer said.

Vorster, reportedly a former member of the SA National Defence Force, is the 20th suspect to be arrested over the past months for allegedly being part of a plot to overthrow the government.

A warrant for his arrest was issued in August. Asked if Vorster’s arrest could be linked to the recent bombings in Soweto and Bronkhorstspruit, De Beer said all avenues were being investigated.

According to court documents stemming from the appearance of the other suspects, the Boeremag intended to take control of the government and ”chase all black people out of the country”.

The trial is expected to start in the Pretoria High Court on May 19. – Sapa