Cape Town – Harry Johannes Knoesen, 64, the leader of the right-wing organisation National Christian Resistance Movement, popularly known as the “Crusaders” was reportedly convicted on five counts, including high treason by the Middelburg High Court on Monday.
According to The Washington Post, Knoesen and his organisation explored the possibility of using a biological weapon to infect and kill Black people.
They planned to attack government institutions such as police and military institutions. They also targeted townships and informal settlements occupied by Black South Africans.
Sowetan Live reported that Knoesen sought to justify his beliefs on religious grounds, claiming that God had ordained that he should reclaim South Africa for white people.
Knoesen used Facebook to recruit members for the organisation. He appealed to people with previous military experience to join and carry out attacks.
This recruitment drive led to several like-minded fanatics joining the organisation, the report said.
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Police became aware of the organisation and its plans in 2019. They disbanded the organisation’s cells around the country and detained several of its leaders including Knoesen.
Knoesen was found guilty of the contravention of Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Matters Act (POCDATARA), incitement to carry out terrorist attacks, soliciting support/recruitment of persons to carry out terrorist attacks, unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition, according to News24.
He will remain in custody for sentencing proceedings on June 10.
His co-accused Donald Abrahams, 57, and Erroll Abrahams, 52, were already serving their sentences. They plead guilty in December 2020.
The two were sentenced to 15 years for preparing and planning to carry out terrorist attacks. Seven of the 15 years were suspended, said the report.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
