Accused challenge South African constitution

Thirteen white right-wingers accused of seeking to topple South Africa's Government launched a surprise defence on Monday, challenging the country's high court and its landmark 1994 multi-racial constitution.

Attorney Paul Kruger said he would call former President FW de Klerk - South Africa's last white leader - to testify that the new constitution was never fully ratified by the white electorate and the country's legal system was therefore illegitimate.

The 13 accused are among 22 alleged members of the shadowy "Boeremag" group accused of seeking to spark a white coup through bombings and attacks last year.