A former apartheid-era informer is due to appear in court in connection with the murders of young activists during that time. 

The Directorate for Priority Investigations (Hawks) confirmed that the 74-year-old suspect would appear in the Benoni Regional Court on Thursday on 15 counts of murder, as well as arson, kidnapping, defeating or obstructing justice and other weapon-related charges. 

“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,” read the Hawks statement.  

The investigation stems from three matters brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and links the suspect to incidents known as Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend/Mamelodi 10 and the KwaNdebele 9. 

According to the Hawks, the incidents allegedly followed a similar pattern. 

“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,” read the Hawks statement. 

Prosecutors allege that the suspect, who worked under Eugene de Kock, tricked young people into thinking they were joining missions 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 Hawks said the case forms part of its “ongoing pursuit of accountability for apartheid-era atrocities”.