Boeremag member ties the knot
2003-10-14 22:44
Pretoria - It was not a traditional white wedding but when one of the alleged Boeremag members tied the knot with his fiancée at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria on Tuesday there was love, peace and the odd tear.
Herman van Rooyen, 29, married Nelmari Raubenheimer, 25, following lengthy negotiations with authorities. Van Rooyen is one of 22 suspected Boeremag members facing charges relating to high treason and murder and is being held in custody.
After the short ceremony, the bride, dressed in red, was met by the wives of other suspects, and showered with jacaranda blossoms. The "confetti" had been collected from the jacaranda trees around Church Square.
Jacaranda blossoms were also thrown at the Nyala police vehicle, which Van Rooyen arrived and left in.
In seventh heaven, Van Rooyen gave a thumbs up and showed cameras his ring finger as he was being driven away.
Rev Hector Jooste, from Ellisras, conducted the wedding service, which was a private affair held in an office. Only a handful of relatives of the bride and groom were there, as well as two legal advisers. Two armed policemen and a policewoman kept an eye on the proceedings.
Van Rooyen's parents said the bridal couple had been relaxed, but emotional during the ceremony.
There was no reception, but the bride and her new in-laws said they would enjoy a celebratory drink together.
Raubenheimer did not want to speak of her big day but she did let slip that the wedding march was played. The other suspects apparently sang an "anthem" for the groom after his wedding.
Final arguments in the case of three of the 22 suspects were heard on Tuesday. The case continues.