Leon Schuster on Eugène Terre’Blanche prank: ‘I nearly died’ [video]

Leon Schuster has claimed his candid camera prank with members of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB) – whose leader was Eugène Terre’Blanche –  was one of his most frightening experiences yet.

The veteran TV actor and comedian reflected on his most memorable movies in an interview with SABC’s Leanne Manas.

The 75-year-old also shared a health update and divulged some of his biggest regrets.

LEON SCHUSTER ON MOST FRIGHTENING TV PRANK

Although he pranked Eugène Terre’Blanche directly, Leon Schuster recalls setting up an elaborate prank in Ventersdorp, the home of the AWB leader.

Schuster told Leanne Manas about his early 90s fake tollgate prank, which fooled and angered many members of the AWB community.

Disguised as a black security guard, Schuster demanded that drivers pay a R50 toll for “reconciliation and development”.

He recalled: “Those okes are far, far right. They drive in their bakkies with their guns on the seat next to them; they will fire! They got so pissed off. I nearly died that day”.

The now 75-year-old said that he was threatened with an AK47, and even assaulted by a few.

The clip made it into his 1997 candid camera, Panic Mechanic.

Take a look…

BRINGING SOUTH AFRICANS TOGETHER

During his interview with Leanne Manas, Leon Schuster added that he had no ill intent behind his candid camera pranks, some of which have courted controversy for its portrayal of “blackface”.

He shared: “I’m a prankster, and I’ll die a prankster. It’s all part of the culture of this land”

“It’s important you know your audience. I try to give the people what they want. I’m so sorry I can’t make one final candid-camera movie. But one more clap and my neck will break”.

He added: “I want to be remembered as that okie from the Free State who stood firmly on the ground, who didnt a swollen head, and who contributed somehow to unify our nation through my movies”.