Boeremag accused Jurie Vermeulen poses a danger to society and it is not in the interests of justice to release him on bail, a Pretoria High Court judge ruled on Thursday.
Transvaal Deputy Judge President Jerry Shongwe turned down a bail application by Vermeulen (39), who submitted that his five-year-old son needs him and is likely to suffer a permanent personality disorder if he does not get to know his father.
Vermeulen’s son, Juan, was six months old when his father — a Free State farmer — was arrested in connection with high treason, terrorism and other charges in October 2002, and has only seen his dad for half-an-hour once a month since then.
A social worker said in a report the lack of a father has already had a very negative effect on the young boy, and might have permanent consequences in future.
Defence
His counsel, Bernard Bandjes, argued that Vermeulen had not played a major role in the alleged violent coup conspiracy, although he admits attending a series of meetings at which the coup was planned. He said Vermeulen has a valid defence against the charges.
Bandjes pointed out that his client had already been in jail when the bulk of the alleged offences, including a series of bomb explosions, took place.
The state opposed bail, saying that Vermeulen is unemployed, does not have any assets, faces a long jail term and is likely to flee. The state pointed out that it took police eight months to track down and rearrest two of the treason trialists after they had managed to escape from the court cells.
Investigating officer Tollie Vreugdenburg said in a statement even though Vermeulen does not have a passport, it is easy to cross South Africa’s borders, as is evidenced by the large number of illegal immigrants in the country. Extradition proceedings are also a long and drawn-out process.
He said the two treason trialists who escaped had managed to remain on free foot for such a long time because they had help from members of the community. Two persons who helped escapees Herman van Rooyen and Rudi Gouws will appear in the magistrate’s court in Modimolle (Nylstroom) next week.
Serious charges
Shongwe said Vermeulen faces very serious charges and does not deny that he was involved in the planning stages of a conspiracy to overthrow the government violently, although he claims he was there under duress and took part out of fear.
He said there is no doubt that the conduct of Vermeulen and his 20 fellow accused contain a threat of violence and is likely to affect the safety of the public.
”In my view, the applicant’s disposition to violence is evident in the fact that he was part of a conspiracy to use violence to overthrow the state,” the judge said.
He said Vermeulen has been in jail for more than four years without applying for bail and without bonding with his son, and only now thinks highly of their relationship.
He said releasing Vermeulen would not be in the interest of justice, as there is a likelihood that he would endanger the safety of the public and attempt to evade his trial in view of the strength of the state’s case against him.
The treason trial will resume on July 30, when the case for the defence will start. — Sapa