GQEBHERHA – Eugene de Kock, the former commander of the apartheid-era Vlakplaas security unit and one of South Africa’s most notorious operatives, has been hospitalized due to possible heart failure, his legal team confirmed on Tuesday.
The development occurred on the second day of the Cradock Four inquest at the Gqebherha High Court, which is investigating whether the apartheid security branch or any other individuals can be held responsible for the 1985 deaths of the anti-apartheid activists known as the Cradock Four.
De Kock, who is serving multiple life sentences for crimes including murder, torture, and fraud, reportedly experienced a deterioration in his health on Friday, prompting his admission to a medical facility. His lawyers informed Judge Thami Beshe of his condition during the court proceedings.
The inquest, part of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to address human rights abuses of the apartheid era, has drawn national attention. It seeks to establish accountability for the deaths of Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli, who were killed in 1985 while actively opposing apartheid.
De Kock, once dubbed “Prime Evil” for his role as commander of Vlakplaas, remains a polarising figure. While serving his prison sentence, he applied for amnesty at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for over 100 incidents of torture, murder, and fraud, though many of these applications were denied.
The court proceedings continue to examine the extent of complicity and cover-ups by the apartheid security apparatus. De Kock’s hospitalisation underscores the frailty of one of the last living figures directly involved in some of the country’s most notorious human rights abuses.
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