Former Apartheid Police Commander “Prime Evil”, De Kock Who Confessed Being Involved in Killing and Torture of Over 100 Black Activists Says He Was Never Asked To Expose Generals Who Gave Instructions and Orders Former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kock, who admitted being Involved in the killings and torture of more than 100 black activists, has told the Khampepe Commission that he was willing to expose the generals who allegedly ordered killings but was never called to provide evidence. He claims that those higher up the chain of command could have been exposed if the cases had proceeded. “I was willing and able to give evidence as to where the instructions came from. That would have exposed the chain of command. I was not called as a witness to do so,” De Kock told the commission, referring to the Motherwell murders. He said he believed some generals were not prosecuted because their evidence could have exposed those who had given them orders. De Kock questioned who benefited from the failure to prosecute the apartheid-era cases, saying those at the top of the chain of command benefited. He also told the inquiry that very few police officers involved in the activities applied for and received amnesty through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), while very few were prosecuted. He claimed that none of those few who were prosecuted served time in a South African prison except him. Known as “Prime Evil”, De Kock commanded the apartheid-era Vlakplaas police unit, which was linked to operations against anti-apartheid activists. He was convicted of multiple offences, including six murders, and sentenced to two life terms plus 212 years in prison. The Khampepe Commission is investigating alleged political interference in the handling of apartheid-era cases referred for prosecution by the TRC, including whether senior figures escaped accountability.

71 Undocumented Foreign Nationals Arrested During Immigration Crackdown In East London As Police Seize Unlicensed Firearm From One Suspect A total of 71 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended during an enforcement operation along Buffalo Street in KuGompo, East London, in the Eastern Cape, on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The operation focused on enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and ensuring compliance with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The suspects were apprehended after they allegedly failed to produce valid documentation confirming their lawful status in South Africa. The operation was conducted as part of efforts to enforce immigration regulations and establish whether those apprehended were legally permitted to remain in the country. During the operation, one of the suspects was additionally arrested after allegedly being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Police seized the firearm for further investigation, and the suspect faces an additional matter relating to its alleged unlawful possession. The 71 suspects will undergo the relevant verification and legal processes to determine their immigration status, with further charges expected where applicable. The operation took place in KuGompo, East London, on 24 October 2026, as authorities continued enforcement efforts under South Africa’s immigration legislation.

Zimbabwean National Arrested With Illicit Cigarettes Worth R213,000 As Police Seize R360,000 Volvo In Musina A 38-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested after police discovered illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R213,129 in a Volvo S40 along the N1 North public road in Musina, Limpopo, during an operation at approximately 03:00 on Friday, 23 October 2026. Police also seized the vehicle, valued at R360,000. Members of the Vhembe District Cross-Border Task Team were performing operational duties when they noticed a silver-grey Volvo S40 parked off the road, facing south. The vehicle had two flat tyres and heavily tinted windows that prevented officers from seeing inside. Police requested permission to search the vehicle, which was granted. During the search, officers discovered nine master boxes, 47 cartons and eight loose packs of Remington Gold cigarettes on the back seat. When questioned about ownership, the driver admitted that the cigarettes belonged to him. He was immediately arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes, while the Volvo was also seized. Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised the Vhembe Cross-Border Task Team for its alertness and continued efforts to combat cross-border crime in the province. The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon. Police investigations into the matter are continuing.