From Daily Maverick · Marianne Thamm · · 2m
Eugene de Kock reveals apartheid chain of command
Eugene de Kock says he knows apartheid security state’s chain of command but prosecutors never asked him.
In brief
Eugene de Kock says he knows apartheid security state’s chain of command but prosecutors never asked him. Eugene de Kock testified he could identify apartheid security state’s chain of command but prosecutors never approached him. Originally reported by Daily Maverick.
Eugene de Kock testifies
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Eugene de Kock, former Vlakplaas commander, testified before the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry on 26 October 2026.
De Kock’s role in apartheid security state
De Kock served 20 years in C-Max and was the central operations figure at Vlakplaas, a secret police headquarters.
No one approached De Kock
Prosecutors never approached De Kock to provide names, times, and dates of those further up the chain of command.
De Kock’s knowledge
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De Kock claims he can identify where intelligence or target selection originated outside Vlakplaas and who executed orders.
De Kock’s testimony
De Kock said no one served time in South African prison except him among those involved in apartheid-era atrocities.
De Kock’s affidavit
De Kock, led by advocate Geoff Budlender, submitted an 18-page affidavit detailing his role in Vlakplaas operations.
Vlakplaas operations
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Vlakplaas operated as a death squad responsible for extra-judicial killings, kidnappings, interrogations, and bombings.
De Kock’s knowledge of chain of command
De Kock named key figures including Colonel Johan Victor, Van Heerden, Dirk Coetzee, Jan Coetzee, and Colonel "Jac" Cronje.
De Kock’s testimony on political involvement
De Kock testified political office-bearers were aware of and involved in state-sanctioned operations.
De Kock’s testimony on prosecutions
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De Kock said prosecutors never approached him despite his knowledge of the chain of command.
De Kock’s knowledge of specific crimes
De Kock revealed he could identify who ordered the bombing of Cosatu House and Khotso House.
De Kock’s testimony on head money
Vlakplaas paid head money ranging from R1,000 to R7,000 for arrests or weapon recoveries.
De Kock’s testimony on Vlakplaas operations
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Vlakplaas maintained photo albums of refugee applicants to identify operational targets.
De Kock’s testimony on prosecutions
De Kock said prosecutors failed to prosecute generals despite his knowledge of the chain of command.
De Kock’s conclusion
De Kock concluded the failure to prosecute high-ranking officials was driven by political decisions to shield those at the top.
What it means
Eugene de Kock testified he could identify apartheid security state’s chain of command but prosecutors never approached him.
