Boeremag

South African right-wing extremist group

The flag associated with the Boeremag group

The Boeremag was a South African right-wing extremist group that sought to overthrow the post-apartheid government and re-establish a Boer republic. The group was active in the early 2000s and was involved in a series of bombings and a failed coup attempt. The name "Boeremag" translates to "Boer Force" in English, reflecting the group's aim to restore Boer dominance in South Africa.

Formation and Ideology

The Boeremag was formed in the late 1990s by a group of Afrikaner nationalists who were dissatisfied with the political changes in South Africa following the end of apartheid. The group was motivated by a desire to create an independent Boer state and was influenced by a mix of Afrikaner nationalism, white supremacy, and Christian fundamentalism.

Activities

The Boeremag gained notoriety for its involvement in a series of bombings in 2002. These attacks targeted various locations, including a railway line and a mosque, and were intended to create chaos and destabilize the government. The group also planned a coup d'état, which involved assassinating prominent political figures and seizing control of the government.

A filling station in Soweto damaged by a Boeremag bombing

Arrest and Trial

In 2002, South African authorities arrested several members of the Boeremag, leading to a high-profile trial that lasted for several years. The trial, which began in 2003, was one of the longest and most expensive in South African history. In 2013, 20 members of the group were convicted of treason, with sentences ranging from 5 to 35 years in prison.

Impact and Legacy

The actions of the Boeremag highlighted the ongoing racial tensions in South Africa and the challenges of national reconciliation in the post-apartheid era. The group's activities also underscored the threat posed by extremist groups and the importance of vigilance in maintaining national security.

Related pages

• Afrikaner nationalism
• Apartheid
• Terrorism in South Africa