Fifth suspect appears on treason charge

From left: Martin Keevy, Mark Trollip, Hein Boonzaaier and Johan Prinsloo during their appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on charges of terrorism and treason. Picture: Conrad Bornman

A farmer from Aberdeen, Louis Lategan (31), briefly appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court today after being arrested in connection with the alleged plot to kill President Jacob Zuma and other high-ranking ANC members during the party’s Mangaung conference in December last year.

Lategan is the fifth suspect to be arrested and he appeared on a charge of high treason.

Hein Boonzaaier (50) of Centurion was granted bail of R80 000 last week. Martin Keevy (47) of Bloemfontein, Johan Prinsloo (49) of Naboomspruit and Mark Trollip (49) of Douglas, were arrested on December 16.

Boonzaaier was released on R80 000 bail while the others remain in custody. The case involving Bonzaaier, Keevy, Prinsloo and Trollip was postponed until March 25 for further investigation.

Lategan’s case was postponed until February 7.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Billy Jones said further arrests are expected.

“The indication from the investigation officer is that another four suspects are soon be arrested,” he said.