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Treason-accused's cellphone records scrutinised

Bloemfontein - The cellphone records of Mangaung treason-accused Johan Prinsloo and a State witness came under scrutiny in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Prinsloo, 51, of Springs in Gauteng, faces charges of treason, conspiracy to take part in terrorist acts, and possession of illegal ammunition.

Prinsloo, Martin Keevy, 49, and Mark Trollip, 48, were arrested for an alleged plan to attack the ANC's Mangaung conference at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein in December 2012.

The State alleges Prinsloo tried between July 2012 and 16 December 2012 to overthrow the government by trying to obtain mortar bombs and other weapons to attack President Jacob Zuma and Cabinet ministers during the conference.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Johann Nel, for Prinsloo, cross-examined the State witness, identified only as Mr B, for the second day on Tuesday.

Nel questioned Mr B's testimony about alleged efforts to obtain mortar bombs on 14 and 15 December 2012 for Prinsloo.

Using a State document listing cellphone calls between the group, Nel argued that Mr B's testimony was not supported by the document.

"This is also an indication that you did not phone Prinsloo... It is not supported by evidence."

Nel submitted he would argue before the court Mr B was either lying or the State's document was wrong.

"Do you have comment?" asked Nel.

Mr B said no.

"I would also not," replied Nel.

Trollip pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy and was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment last year. Keevy was declared unfit to stand trial.

The trial continues.

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