De Kock in safe house after death threats

Eugene de Kock's lawyer is still trying to find him. File photo: Themba Hadebe

Eugene de Kock's lawyer is still trying to find him. File photo: Themba Hadebe

Published Feb 1, 2015

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Johannesburg - Eugene de Kock, the notorious “Prime Evil”, has had threats on his life, leading to special arrangements for his release.

The Sunday Independent has established that De Kock, who was freed on parole after serving 20 years in prison, has been moved to a safe house.

Several sources have told The Sunday Independent that these special arrangements were put in place after a security assessment was done on De Kock.

In the main, the threats emanate from right-wing groups and former security branch members who fear reprisal. The basis of their fears are the disclosures that De Kock, who led the notorious death squads of the apartheid government, is believed to have made to the government.

“De Kock has spilled the beans and that places him under a serious security threat. He took the fall and those that issued the instructions and were party to murders fear prosecution,” a source said.

“They fear being in the accused box, facing De Kock in the witness stand. Other than those he has mentioned in his many contacts with security officials, he also faces threats from the right wing, who consider him a sell-out for confessing and disclosing names.

“There would also be possible threats from some of the victims who may not have forgiven him for his acts. Some of these include members of former liberation movements,” the source said.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha said De Kock had requested secrecy around his release.

“In the interests of nation-building and reconciliation, I have decided to place De Kock on parole. He has requested that the actual date and conditions of his release should not be made public. I have acceded to his request and plead with members of the media to respect that,” Masutha said.

The minister said De Kock had done well while in custody.

“I have noted the progress he is reported to have made to improve his skills while in custody, as well as the assistance De Kock is said to have provided, and continues to provide, to the Missing Persons Task Team.

“I am also satisfied that comprehensive consultation with affected families has been done. My decision is therefore informed by all these important factors.”

The Sunday Independent

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