Johannesburg - Twins Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie – who were arrested for allegedly plotting terror attacks on American and Jewish interests in South Africa – appeared in court on Friday, but the state was not ready to proceed resulting in the matter being postponed.
State prosecutor Chris MacAdam on Friday told the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court that more time was needed to investigate the matter.
Defence advocate Anneline van den Heever told the court the state arrested her clients even though it was obvious from the numerous postponements that the state was not ready to proceed.
Police arrested the 23-year-old twins on July 9 after searching their home, where they found documents that allegedly incriminated them in terror plots and planning to join the terror group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“The state can not arrest and then investigate,” Van den Heever said.
“It’s an abuse of process.”
The twins have been charged with conspiracy and incitement to commit the crime of terrorism and conspiring and attempting to commit acts associated with terrorist activities.
Van den Heever said there were no facts as to where the state stood in the matter and when it would be ready to proceed.
“The court needs to decided whether a further postponement is justified, having regard to the lengthy time that has lapsed. I’m going to ask that before the matter is postponed that the state justifies the reasons further postponement sought.”
She suggested that the court stand down till Monday when a decision could be made on whether or not to proceed.
The court agreed and matter was postponed to Monday when the state would be expected to provide detailed reasons why it was asking for more time to investigate.
The twins remain in custody.
African News Agency