De Kock Names De Klerk As Man Who Ordered 5 Children Killed In Mthatha on Sworn Testimony

Eugene de Kock Accuses F.W. de Klerk of Authorising the Killing of Five Children

A fresh allegation involving one of apartheid South Africa’s most notorious security operatives has renewed attention on unresolved cases of political violence from the country’s past. Eugene de Kock, the former security branch officer serving multiple life sentences, has reportedly accused former President F.W. de Klerk of authorising the killing of five children in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, decades ago.

According to the account of his sworn testimony, de Kock told investigators that de Klerk personally approved an operation that allegedly resulted in the deaths of the five minors. The children were reportedly targeted during a covert security operation linked to the apartheid-era security branch. However, the allegations have not been independently established, and further investigation would be required to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The accusation has attracted considerable attention because of its implications for accountability among senior officials who served during apartheid. De Kock, who became widely known for his role in the security structures of the former government, has previously participated in processes examining politically motivated crimes committed during that period.

The De Klerk Foundation has strongly rejected the accusation. Its spokesperson, Dave Steward, maintained that the claim was unfounded, emphasising that the former president consistently denied involvement in unlawful killings throughout his lifetime.

De Klerk died in November 2021, meaning he cannot personally respond to the latest allegation. At the time of the report, the National Prosecuting Authority had not issued an official statement addressing the claims.

Mthatha, formerly known as Umtata, holds historical significance in South Africa’s liberation struggle. During apartheid, security operations targeting individuals suspected of supporting anti-apartheid movements contributed to widespread violence, leaving numerous cases that remain subjects of historical investigation and public concern.

The reported testimony has renewed questions about whether further inquiries could establish the identities of the victims, clarify the circumstances of their deaths and determine whether senior officials were involved in decisions that led to civilian casualties.

Nevertheless, the accusation remains a claim attributed to de Kock and should not be treated as proof of de Klerk’s involvement without corroborating evidence.

The case highlights the continuing importance of investigating unresolved apartheid-era crimes and pursuing accountability through appropriate legal processes. For the families of victims whose cases remain unresolved, establishing the truth remains an essential part of confronting South Africa’s painful history.

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