South African in court over plot to kill politicians, businessmen

South African in court over plot to kill politicians, businessmen Published April 28, 2017 Share Tweet   Share South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma A South African man on Friday appeared in court for allegedly planning to assassinate 19 government officials and high - ranking businessmen . The 33 - year - old , who was arrested on Wednesday , was standing trial in the magistrates ’ court in the commercial capital Johannesburg for plotting to kill people who he had identified as beneficiaries of “ state capture . ” Fear of “ state capture ” has been widespread in South Africa since former public protector Thuli Madonsela released a report in November 2016 that accuses President Jacob Zuma and his close allies, including the Gupta business family , of influence peddling , nepotism and improper procurement practices. “ Broadcaster ANN 7 ” reported that the names of the president and former boss of state - owned electricity provider Eskom, Brian Molefe , were on the list. But the South African directorate for priority crime investigation , also known as Hawks , did not confirm this information . The accused was arrested “ while he was busy explaining to the donors how the assassination of state capture beneficiaries was going to be carried out by the undercover coup plot snipers , ” Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi told national broadcaster eNCA. Hawks had been intercepting communication about the planned assassinations since October , according to Mulaudzi . The accused had approached several companies and individuals for donations totalling 100 , 000 dollars to fund the killings , the spokesman said , adding that more arrests were imminent . NAN Share Tweet SOUTH AFRICA ZUMA