'We're not bound by SA law'
2003-08-04 12:32
Pretoria - Some of the accused in the Boeremag trial, just like followers of the Zulu monarchy, were not bound by the constitution, Pretoria High Court heard on Monday.
Paul Kruger, for 13 of the men contesting the court's jurisdiction on them, contended his clients were not the only ones in the country not bound by certain laws.
He cited the Zulu monarchy, saying it was legally impossible for a republic and a kingdom to exist under one state.
"People who resort under the Zulu monarchy cannot resort under the State," he argued.
"It is indeed a strange situation, but it is not new in South Africa that certain people are bound by certain laws and others not."
Kruger was arguing in support of his clients' special plea that the courts had no jurisdiction over them due to what they described as flaws in the constitution-making process.
The 13 men and nine others stand accused of plotting to overthrow the government with the objective of declaring a Boer republic.
They face 42 charges, including treason, terrorism, sabotage, murder, and several firearms and explosives violations.
- SAPA