/ 8 May 2017

‘Coup plotter’ Elvis Ramosebudi granted bail

Elvis Ramosebudi suspected for planning the assassinations of 19 South African politicians
Elvis Ramosebudi suspected for planning the assassinations of 19 South African politicians

Alleged “coup plotter” Elvis Ramosebudi has been granted R3 000 bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.

Bail was granted with certain conditions.

It emerged in court last week that Ramosebudi had hatched a plot to assassinate President Jacob Zuma, his Cabinet ministers and members of the Gupta family.

State advocate Johan Badenhorst said the State would oppose bail, saying Ramosebudi had travelled from Soshanguve to Johannesburg to present his plan to undercover agents.

Badenhorst said he had a well-constructed plan and the tools to do it.

“The fact that he would actually drive and submit his plans is concerning. It is clear that he is very motivated in what he wants to do.”

In his affidavit read out by his lawyer Motebang Ramaili, Ramosebudi said he had been living with his parents in the same house he was born in. He has a 7-year-old daughter.

He has no previous convictions or pending cases against him.

Ramaili was unhappy that the Hawks tried to question Ramosebudi’s parents about his mental health.

Ramosebudi has promised to stand trial and not interfere with the investigation. His lawyer said that he would plead not guilty.

Ramaili argued that these were high profile people who were highly guarded.

He said there were no guns found at his place.

Ramaili also argued that because his client sent letters to Guptas saying, “hands off Guptas”, he would not try to kill them. – News24