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The Boeremag (Afrikaans: Farmer's Force) is an alleged South African radical right-wing activism group with white separatist aims which is accused of planning to overthrow the ruling African National Congress government and create a "new Boer nation" reminiscent of the era when Boers administered independent republics during the 19th century following the Great Trek.
Some Boeremag sympathizers claim that the African National Congress has seized power in South Africa illegally and allege that organised gangs are secretly trained by the ANC and rewarded via a bounty system for killing white farmers. They claim furthermore that the Boeremag exists to protect white farmers from attack and to reverse what they describe as the ANC's seizure of power.
Opponents of the Boeremag claim the Boeremag it is an atavistic terrorist organization. South African law enforcement officials believe that the Boeremag was responsible for the 2002 Soweto bombings and arrested 26 alleged members of the Boeremag in November and December of 2002, seizing over 1,000 kg of explosives in the process. Further arrests occurred in March 2003.
The first trial of alleged Boeremag members began under tight security in Pretoria during May of 2003. Twenty-two men were charged with 42 counts of treason, murder, and illegal weapons possession. Six pleaded not guilty; 2 have not entered pleas; one refuses to plea; and 13 are challenging the court's jurisdiction, alleging that the post-apartheid constitution and government of South Africa are illegitimate because they were established without their consent.
In the early part of May 2006, two of the leading members being tried escaped, regarded as being due to police incompetence.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
- boerevryheid.co.za Forum discussing issues relating to the Boeremag
"Boeremag"