Hawks Arrest Fifth Crusader Suspect, in Kuilsrivier, Cape Town
South Africa’s special police unit, the Hawks, has arrested a fifth Christian Resistance Movement (also known as Crusaders) suspect, in Cape Town. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Friday that a 46-year-old suspect from Kuilsrivier has been arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, explosives and explosive devices. The suspect was arrested yesterday […]
South Africa’s special police unit, the Hawks, has arrested a fifth Christian Resistance Movement (also known as Crusaders) suspect, in Cape Town.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Friday that a 46-year-old suspect from Kuilsrivier has been arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, explosives and explosive devices.
The suspect was arrested yesterday – Thursday, 05 December 2019 – in a “disruptive operation” by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Investigation, Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Flash unit at his business premises, said SAPS.
The suspect is believed to have links with the other four Crusaders suspects who have already been arrested and charged for alleged terrorist activities. Johannes Knoesen (60), Riana Heyman (54) and two brothers – Eric Abrams (55) and Errol Abrams (49) – appeared briefly at the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Monday on charges related to terrorism and for harbouring a wanted suspect. Their next court appearance will be on 21 January.
During the arrests, SAPS said it confiscated firearms and 5,300 ammunition of different calibers, documents and other items.
The arrests come at the end of a long investigation. The Crusaders were allegedly involved in a coordinated terrorist plot to target national key points, shopping malls and informal settlements in South Africa, SAPS said last week.
The Kuilsrivier suspect is expected to make his first appearance in Kuilsrivier Magistrate’s court today.
Investigations are still continuing.