The judge in the Boeremag treason trial yesterday ruled that enough evidence had been presented by the State on which a reasonable person might convict the 21 accused on charges of high treason, terrorism and sabotage.
The judge in the Boeremag treason trial yesterday ruled that enough evidence had been presented by the State on which a reasonable person might convict the 21 accused on charges of high treason, terrorism and sabotage.
Judge Eben Jordaan dismissed applications by nine of the accused for their discharge on all of the 42 charges against them, and by 11 others for their discharge on some of the charges.
He, however, stressed that the ruling was not a preview of the findings at the end of the trial, when the full spectrum of the evidence would have to be considered.
The applications took over a month and more than 1100 pages of argument.
Jordaan said it was clear that "document 12", in all its guises, had as its aim the violent overthrow of South Africa's government. It foresaw deeds of violence, stockpiling and using weaponry, damage to property and the loss of life.
There was evidence of a series of meetings to discuss the plans; that persons were recruited to join the Boeremag; that some of the accused were sworn in as members and took an oath of allegiance; and that a large number of weapons and ammunition was gathered.
The trial continues. - Sapa
Treason trialists reined in
The judge in the Boeremag treason trial yesterday ruled that enough evidence had been presented by the State on which a reasonable person might convict the 21 accused on charges of high treason, terrorism and sabotage.
The judge in the Boeremag treason trial yesterday ruled that enough evidence had been presented by the State on which a reasonable person might convict the 21 accused on charges of high treason, terrorism and sabotage.
Judge Eben Jordaan dismissed applications by nine of the accused for their discharge on all of the 42 charges against them, and by 11 others for their discharge on some of the charges.
He, however, stressed that the ruling was not a preview of the findings at the end of the trial, when the full spectrum of the evidence would have to be considered.
The applications took over a month and more than 1100 pages of argument.
Jordaan said it was clear that "document 12", in all its guises, had as its aim the violent overthrow of South Africa's government. It foresaw deeds of violence, stockpiling and using weaponry, damage to property and the loss of life.
There was evidence of a series of meetings to discuss the plans; that persons were recruited to join the Boeremag; that some of the accused were sworn in as members and took an oath of allegiance; and that a large number of weapons and ammunition was gathered.
The trial continues. - Sapa
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