Riana Heymans and two other accomplices for the National Christian Resistance Movement also known as the ‘Crusaders’ have been arrested for alleged terrorism.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Middleburg Magistrates Court on Monday.
Heymans was arrested on Friday evening with two other accomplices in Kliprivier, Joburg by an integrated team of crime intelligence operatives and Hawks members from serious organised crime investigations.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said various ammunition, documents and other items were confiscated by the criminal record centre for further probing.
“The three suspects will appear Monday (2December) at Middleburg Magistrate’s court together with Harry Johannes Knoesen (60), a retired pastor and former South African National Defence Force charged with contravening the protection of constitutional democracy against terrorism and related activities Act as well as harbouring a wanted suspect in terms of same Act,” said Mulaudzi.
He said Knoesen was apprehended at his residence in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.
His arrest come after a two year extensive intelligence led investigation into the alleged terrorist plot, apparently coordinated by the group to target national key points, shopping malls and informal settlements.
Hawks also reported that Knoesen and another alleged Crusader member's houses in the Eastern Cape were raided.
Cops uncovered a possible explosives factory, electronic devices, documents and unlicenced firearm and ammunition were seized for further analysis.
