Air Force technician arrested for trying supply weapons to rightwing extremists

A former SA Air Force technician has been arrested for trying to supply weapons to a right-wing extremist group

The Weekend Argus reported that a 46-year-old Brackenfell, Cape Town man had a stock of munitions and wanted to "sponsor" the extremists but was intercepted before he could carry out his plan, Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko told the publication.

Ramaloko declined to name the group, or say how many weapons it found in the confiscated stockpile.

He confirmed the man worked for the air force for over two decades.

Ramaloko could not be reached by Sapa for comment on Sunday.

According to the newspaper, the man's online curriculum vitae states he began his career as anarmament technician in 1989, arming and disarming the air force's Cheetah jets as well as "handling, packaging, storage and transportation of ammunition and explosives in the SAAF".

He claimed to also be a member of the air force's bomb disposal team, a maintenance planner for the Gripen and Hawk fighter jets, and an explosives manager.

The newspaper reported that he expressed unpatriotic sentiments online, writing on his LinkedIn profile: "I need a sponsored job in aviation with visa 457 URGENTLY PLEASE."

A 457 visa is an Australian work visa that allows skilled professionals to work in the country temporarily.

He added: "I love my studies... but i hate my country... wish i can emigrate to Canada or Australia."

The man is due to appear in the Kuils River Magistrate's Court on Monday.