Treason trial accused Kobus Pretorius was a danger to society and would commit further acts of violence if released on bail, the chief investigating officer told the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
Pretorius this week, for the first time since his arrest in December 2002, applied for bail.
He claimed he had had an epiphany in jail, was ”a new man” and should get bail because he wanted to ”serve the community of South Africa”.
Pretorius, however, refused to answer any questions about the evidence presented against him in the treason trial, saying he and his legal representative were still consulting about his defence.
His mother, Minnie Pretorius, earlier testified that she believed Kobus, her husband Dr Lets Pretorius and sons Johan and Wilhelm — all accused in the treason trial — were innocent and had done nothing wrong.
Investigating officer Superintendent Tollie Vreugdenburg said in a statement that was handed to the court on Wednesday that he believed Pretorius would flee and would commit acts of violence again if he was freed.
He said the state had a strong prima facie case against the accused on all 42 charges, including high treason, terrorism, murder and attempted murder.
There was evidence linking Pretorius to a coup plot and to several bombings while he was on the run from police for three months.
He was also linked through fingerprint evidence to a detonator found at the scene of the Soweto bombing.
The application continues. — Sapa