S.Africa: National Christian Resistance Movement leader arrested for alleged terrorism
(008274.77-E001840.93NAVRLOSUC20V)
JOHANNESBURG – The Hawks arrested the leader of the National Christian Resistance Movement (NCRM) also known as the ‘Crusaders’ for alleged terrorism.
60-year-old Harry Johannes Knoesen was arrested on Thursday at in Middelburg, Mpumalanga by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against The State team and National Crime Intelligence.
“The arrest comes following 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,” said Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi in a statement.
Knoesen was charged for terrorism-related activities in contravention of Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities (POCDATARA), unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The Hawks said another search led to a home in the Eastern Cape and uncovered a “possible explosives factory, electronic devices, documents an unlicensed firearm and ammunition that were seized for further analysis.”
Knoesen is a retired pastor and former SANDF member.
He will appear in court on Monday.
The Hawks added that they were on the lookout for another suspect – Riana Heymans – who might be linked with activities at NCRM.