Three of the alleged masterminds behind a right-wing coup plot to overthrow the government were described on Wednesday as responsible, non-violent men who are not a danger to society.
University of the Free State psychology professor Almaro Weyers testified in a Pretoria High Court bail application by Boeremag accused Mike du Toit, his brother Andre and Jacobus (Rooikoos) du Plessis before Judge Ronnie Bosielo.
He said the results of a series of psychological tests gave no indication that any of the three men are prone to violence or irresponsible behaviour, although Andre and Du Plessis showed signs of stress, depression and paranoia.
He does not believe that any of them will abscond or commit crimes if released on bail.
Weyers described Mike — a former Vista University lecturer with a doctorate in philosophy — as introverted, a ”typical academic” and an ”intellectual pacifist”.
Andre, a former police captain and teacher who specialises in information technology, was described as a loving, soft-spoken and emotional person who has developed serious psychological and health problems in jail and has spent two months in hospital because of asthma.
Andre has only seen his two young children for 10 minutes over the past two years and suffers from high levels of depression, stress and suspicion.
Answering questions by prosecutor Suzanne Auret, Weyers conceded that Andre probably has ”serious emotional problems” and that the test results showed high levels of aggression and anti-social behaviour, but insisted that Andre’s depression influenced the results of the tests.
He said he will definitely not be able to classify Andre as a psychopath.
The psychologist described Du Plessis, who had his own engineering business before his arrest more than two years ago, as a ”creative individualist” who has never been involved in any extreme political or religious groups.
Du Plessis has a history of depression, is highly suspicious and paranoid, and easily overreacts, but cannot be described as violent. He tends to sit on the sideline and analyse, Weyers said.
Auret accused Weyers of being selective, ignoring certain test results and not being objective. Weyers said he has no interest in the case and simply analysed the personalities and behavioural patterns of the accused as he had been asked to.
He conceded that his information came only from the accused and their families, and that they might have lied to him, but said he stands by his analysis as the overall picture.
The bail application continues.
The trial of the three bail applicants and 19 other men — who have denied guilt on charges ranging from high treason to terrorism and murder — is to resume in the High Court on January 24. — Sapa