Assassination suspect waits for ruling

being planned. As many as 19 people were allegedly targeted.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said Ramosebudi was arrested in Midrand while he was busy explaining to potential donors how the assassination of state capture beneficiaries was going to be carried out by an undercover coup plot sniper.

On Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority changed his charges from conspiracy to commit murder to incitement to commit murder, citing that their evidence proved the accused was acting alone.

State prosecutor advocate Johan Badenhorst opposed bail and said that Ramosebudi’s determination to carry out his plan might resurface if he is released.

Badenhorst read out an affidavit by the investigating officer which outlined all the plans Ramosebudi had in place to carry out his mission.

The affidavit revealed that Ramosebudi allegedly wrote his first letter on November 29, to a for mer employee of Anglo-American requesting R60 million in order to assassinate 19 high profile South Africans.

Some of the names on the hit list include President Jacob Zuma and his son Duduzani, the Gupta brothers, former Eskom boss Brian Molefe, South African Airways board chairperson Dudu Myeni, Eskom chairperson Ben Ngubane, head of the National Prosecuting Authority Shaun Abrahams and Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Des van Rooyen.

On March 14, Ramosebudi allegedly sent a letter to Oakbay, a Gupta-owned company, requesting R75m to assassinate four people who are associated with white monopoly capital.

Upon further investigation, undercover police of ficers arranged a meeting with the accused on April 26.

“The meeting took place in the boardroom and audio-video recordings were made. During the meeting much information was disclosed by the accused which included that he is the founder of the Anti-State Cap- ture Death Squad Alliance. He confirmed he is the author of the letters,” said Badenhorst reading the affidavit.

“He stated they have a sniper rifle and food poison to assassinate the listed. The money requested would be utilised for logistics and remuneration.”

The affidavit further stated it was clear during the meeting that Ramosebudi was well informed on politics.

Badenhorst said Ramosebudi’s determination to leave Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, and meet total strangers in order to discuss his plans to kill members of Parliament should provide enough reason that he be denied bail. – ANA