Former Apartheid Askari to Appear in Court on 15 Counts of Murder

In its ongoing pursuit of accountability for apartheid-era atrocities, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) continues to fulfil its mandate.

This commitment is demonstrated through an ongoing investigation that has resulted in a 74-year-old former apartheid informer, commonly known as an Askari, appearing before the Benoni Regional Court today, 25 June 2026, on multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder.

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).

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.