By Mapaballo Borotho
- A 74-year-old former apartheid-era informer has appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on charges including 15 counts of murder.
- Investigators allege he lured young people with promises of military training before they were supplied with explosives and smuggled out of the country during the apartheid era.
- The case forms part of ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for apartheid-era atrocities.
A 74-year-old former apartheid-era informer, commonly known as an Askari, appeared before the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 25 June 2026, facing multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder.
The suspect was served with a summons to appear in court following investigations conducted by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State unit.
The investigation stems from three matters that were previously brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
According to investigators, the suspect has been linked to three incidents known as Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend 10, and the KwaNdebele 9.
It is alleged that these incidents shared a similar modus operandi, in which young people were lured under the pretext of receiving military training, supplied with explosives, and subsequently smuggled out of the country during the apartheid era.
“This case forms part of pursuing accountability for apartheid-era atrocities,” said Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
“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,” she said.
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.
The matter is expected to continue in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
