South African coup plotter case postponed
Elvis Ramosebudi has been charged with incitement to commit murder
By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG
A South African court has postponed a case against a man accused of plotting to assassinate top government officials who have allegedly benefited from corrupt dealings.
Elvis Ramosebudi, 33, made a brief appearance in the Johannesburg magistrate court Tuesday before his case was moved to Friday May 5 for bail hearing. State prosecutor Johan Bardenhorst said charges against Ramosebudi were being changed to incitement to commit murder. He had earlier been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
According to local media, some of those being targeted included President Jacob Zuma, his son Duduzani Zuma, the Gupta Family and several cabinet ministers.
Ramosebudi was arrested last Wednesday by the Hawks, an elite police unit, while he was reportedly explaining to donors who would finance his mission how assassinations of "state capture beneficiaries" would be executed.
In South Africa, state capture refers to corrupt dealings between a wealthy Indian family close to President Jacob Zuma and government officials.
The influential Gupta family is accused of wielding enormous political influence in the country, with the aim of advancing its business interests.Some politicians have accused the family of trying to offer them cabinet posts and money in return for state contracts.The alleged influence of the Gupta family has divided some members of Zuma’s ruling African National Congress party, with some calling for a judicial commission of inquiry into dealings between the family and government officials.
The state said on Friday it would not disclose the list of names of officials reportedly targeted in the planned assassinations pending further investigations.
