A 74-year-old former apartheid informer, commonly known as an Askari, is set to appear before the Benoni Regional Court today, 25 June 2026, on multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said on Thursday.
In a statement ahead of the court appearance, the Directorate said it continues its pursuit of accountability for apartheid-era atrocities.
“The suspect was served with a summons to appear in court following a meticulous investigation conducted by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State Section. The investigation stems from three matters that were brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC),” said the Hawks.
The investigation linked the suspect to three incidents known as Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend 10, and the KwaNdebele 9. These incidents allegedly shared a similar modus operandi in which young people were lured under the guise of receiving military training, provided with explosives, and subsequently smuggled out of the country during the apartheid era.
“It is alleged that the suspect deceived the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. Instead, they met their deaths at the hands of the suspect and two accomplices who allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock.
"The suspect faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice,” said the Hawks.
In March, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for victims of apartheid-era crimes, saying their calls for accountability cannot be ignored.
READ | President Ramaphosa committed to justice for victims of apartheid-era crimes
In a statement at the time, the Presidency said government remains determined to pursue justice for families who have long sought closure over unresolved crimes committed during apartheid. -SAnews.gov.za
