Right-wing ‘Crusaders’ sentenced to 8 years behind bars
Two men have been sentenced to eight years behind bars for plotting to kill black South Africans and overthrow the South African government.
Eric Abrahams (55) and 50-year-old Erroll Abrahams, who were members of the right-wing National Christian Resistance Movement, were convicted and sentence in the Middelburg Regional Court in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.
The two were arrested by the Hawks in Klipriver in November 2019.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the duo plotted to overthrow the government through a series of strategic attacks.
“The two formed part of the Crusaders organisation that planned and conspired to overthrow the democratically-elected government of South Africa and replace it with a government led by the organisation. This objective would be achieved by carrying out attacks on military and police installations as well as on informal settlements occupied by African persons.”
Mogale says they will each spend eight years in jail.
“Effectively each accused will serve 8 years in prison. All other sentences will run concurrently. The court has further ordered in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, that both accused are unfit to possess firearms, ammunition, competency certificates, licences, authorisation and permits.”
The third suspect is set to appear in court in February after pleading not guilty on the terrorist charges.
“The case against the other accused Harry Knoesen will continue on 1 February 2021 for High Court trial date after he pleaded not guilty,” says Mogale.
