Pre-trial arguments are to continue in the Pretoria High Court treason hearing of 22 alleged members of the rightwing Boeremag organisation today.

Yesterday, 13 of the men entered a special plea contesting the jurisdiction of the court.

They contended the present government and all its institutions were illegitimate - as was the constitution.

The state described their arguments as nonsensical and absurd, and asked the court to dismiss the application.

Six of the other men pleaded not guilty on all counts, two opted to plead at a later stage, and one - Tom Vorster - refused to plead.

He contended his rights had been violated to the extent that there was no longer a chance of his trial being fair.

The court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

The matter stood down until today for the defence to consider the response of the state to their arguments.

The matter is expected to be postponed until August 4 – the first court day after the mid-year recess.

Defence counsel may use this time to line up witnesses, which could include former state president F W de Klerk and his constitutional development minister Roelf Meyer.

Defence attorney Paul Kruger said the two politicians may be called to testify about a mandate they allegedly promised to get from voters prior to accepting constitutional changes.

The state claims the 22 men plotted to overthrow the government.

They face 42 charges ranging from high treason, terrorism and sabotage to murder, attempted murder and the illegal possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition. – Sapa.