Court convicts leader of far-right Crusaders group
The Middelburg High Court in Mpumalanga has convicted the leader of the right-wing National Christian Resistance Movement (NCRM), also known as the Crusaders, on terrorism-related charges.
The court found Harry Knoesen guilty of planning terrorist activities on government institutions and the African population in South Africa.
The 64-year-old Knoesen appeared in court on Monday.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says he was found guilty of planning and conspiring to overthrow the democratically elected government of South Africa in 2019 and replacing it with a government led by the organisation.
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“This objective would be achieved by carrying out attacks on military and police installations as well as on informal settlements occupied by African persons.
“After pleading not guilty, Knoesen has appeared several times in court defending his plea which culminated in his conviction.”
The case has been postponed to 10 June for him to present his sentencing reports.
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