BENONI — A 74-year-old former apartheid informer, commonly known as an Askari, appeared at the Benoni Regional Court on 25 June 2026, facing 15 counts of murder and multiple additional charges.
The suspect was served a summons following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State Section. The formal charges include 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
The investigation originates from three matters previously brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend 10, and the KwaNdebele 9.
According to the Hawks, the incidents share a common modus operandi. The suspect and two accomplices allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock. They are accused of luring young people under the guise of receiving military training, deceiving the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. The victims were allegedly provided with explosives and smuggled out of the country during the apartheid era before being killed by the suspect and his accomplices.