The state is ready to proceed with the trial of Elvis Ramosebudi, the man accused of allegedly plotting to kill President Jacob Zuma, along with other prominent South Africans, including the controversial Saxonwold family, the Guptas.
Ramosebudi appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 4 August, on a charge of incitement to commit murder. The accused was arrested by the Hawks in April, during a meeting in Midrand where he was allegedly explaining to donors how the assassination of State Capture beneficiaries was going to be carried out by undercover snipers.
During his first appearance, he was charged with conspiracy to commit murder but, in a dramatic turn of events, the state changed the charge from conspiracy to commit murder, to incitement to commit murder.
Ramosebudi is said to be the founder of the Anti-State Capture Death Squad Alliance (ASCDSA).
A statement released by the Hawks shortly after his arrest, pointed out that in October last year, they intercepted communication material of possible assassinations which were being planned where various cabinet members, state-owned entities and prominent South Africans were listed as targets. President Jacob Zuma’s name was on the said hit list.
The statement also highlighted that during investigations, another group, the Anti-White Monopoly Capitalists Regime (AWMCG) surfaced which necessitated a two-pronged investigative approach. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s name appeared on the hit list in this group.
“It was discovered that the AWMCG used the same modus operandi soliciting donations in order to assassinate senior government officials and other South African citizens,” alleged Hangwani Mulaudzi, Hawks spokesperson at the time.
The matter has been remanded to 11 to 15 September for plea and trial in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
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