Trending Now - Apartheid Police Commander Testifies on Killings in South Africa
WHO:
Eugene de Kock, known as “Prime Evil,” a notorious apartheid police commander.
Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto, the four anti-apartheid activists killed in 1985.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
WHAT:
De Kock testified at an inquiry into the killing of the Cradock Four on March 23rd, 2026.
De Kock denied involvement in the Cradock Four case but stated police had photos of around 6,000 anti-apartheid activists labeled as “known terrorists.”
De Kock was asked by a police officer to assist with a cover-up related to the killings, specifically to obtain another firearm and interfere with ballistics.
De Kock was sentenced in 1996 to two life terms and an additional 212 years in prison for murder, kidnapping, and other charges, and was released on parole in 2015.
WHERE:
The inquiry took place in Gqeberha, South Africa, where the Cradock Four were killed.
WHEN:
The inquiry into the killings began on March 23rd, 2026.
The Cradock Four were killed in 1985.
De Kock was sentenced in 1996 and released on parole in 2015.
Two inquiries into the case were conducted during apartheid, one starting in 1987 and another in 1993.
WHY:
The inquiry was initiated due to pressure from the families of the victims and a renewed focus on apartheid-era atrocities.
HOW:
The inquiry is part of South African authorities reopening investigations into apartheid atrocities, including the deaths of notable figures like Albert Luthuli, Griffiths Mxenge, and Steve Biko.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 13:44 UTC)
In a significant development, Eugene de Kock, known as "Prime Evil," testified yesterday at an inquiry in Gqeberha regarding the 1985 killings of the Cradock Four, a group of anti-apartheid activists. De Kock denied any involvement in their deaths but revealed that police had extensive files on around 6,000 activists labeled as "known terrorists," and he was asked to assist in a cover-up related to the case. This inquiry, prompted by pressure from the victims' families and a renewed focus on apartheid-era atrocities, marks a continued effort by South African authorities to investigate past human rights violations.