Find treason accused guilty - State

Bloemfontein - The State on Monday asked the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein to find Johan Prinsloo guilty of treason or conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.

Prosecutor Torie Pretorius told the court during closing argument it would have decide whether to find Prinsloo guilty on either one or the other charge, as both had the same checklist of evidence to be proven.

Prinsloo, 51, of Springs, Gauteng, is facing charges of treason, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and possession of illegal ammunition.

Prinsloo and his two co-accused, Mark Trollip and Martin Keevy, allegedly planned to attack the ANC's Mangaung elective conference at the University of Free State in December 2012.

Pretorius said he was convinced the State proved that Prinsloo was involved in the plan.

"The testimony of the witnesses might not prove that the accused was the main peanut in the plot, but it proves that he was the financer," Pretorius said.

He said although a case of conspiracy was usually made by drawing conclusions, this case was different because it could be proven by evidence presented in court.

Pretorius said testimony that the accused undertook a trip to Ficksburg in an attempt to buy mortar bombs proved they were part of a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.

He said the bombs were not, as Prinsloo had claimed, intended to ensure the safety of his family and farm.

Last year, Trollip struck a plea bargain deal with the State which saw him agree to an eight-year prison term. Keevy was declared unfit to stand trial and declared a state president’s patient last October.