Former apartheid Askari appears in court on 15 murder charges

A 74-year-old former apartheid-era informer, commonly known as an Askari, is expected to appear before the Benoni Regional Court on Thursday, facing multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder.

The accused is linked to three apartheid-era incidents in which young people were allegedly recruited under the pretext of receiving military training.

In a statement on Thursday Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said that the youths were led to believe they were taking part in operations against the apartheid government. Instead, it is alleged that they were killed by the suspect and two accomplices who reportedly operated from the notorious Vlakplaas farm west of Pretoria.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the accused faces a range of serious charges.

"The suspect faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice," said Mogale.

The matter stems from an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation into three apartheid-era operations that were previously brought before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The case forms part of ongoing efforts to pursue accountability for crimes committed during the apartheid era.