Brothers Johan and Wilhelm Pretorius, who stand accused of treason against the South African government, have admitted to playing a role in a series of 2002 terrorist bombing attacks but did so only as part of a legitimate Boer freedom struggle.
Wilhelm, a theologian, and brother Johan, a medical doctor, admitted in court that they were ranked soldiers in the civilian force of the “Suid-Afrikaanse Boererepubliek” (SABR). Part of their membership included the making of bombs that were later used in attacks on a bridge, railways, Grand Central Airport, a Buddhist temple and a Muslim mosque back in 2002. One person died as a result of these bombings.
The brothers’ admissions implicated fellow accused Tom Vorster, who they say was in command of the SABR civilian force and ordered them to make the bombs. A total of 21 people stand accused in the Boeremag trial, which has been running for the last 6 years and has cost the South African government an estimated US$18 million.
Wilhelm said he was never formally sworn in as a member of the SABR. He said Vorster commanded him to write the "blue Letters", which declared war on the South African government and independence for the Boere Republics. He handed to his commander.
Johan was formally sworn in by Vorster as a One Castle Commandant in the medics’ corps. His role was to provide medical support during the “Night of the Long Knives,” where they believed a black-versus-white race war was about to break out in South Africa. He gave a truck and ambulance to the SABR.
The ultimate goal of the SABR was to reclaim the Boer Republics which were integrated into the Union of South Africa by the conquering British after Second Boer War ended in 1902.
No comments:
Post a Comment