Former apartheid death squad leader Eugene de Kock, dubbed “Prime Evil” for his role in the torture and murder of anti-apartheid activists in the 1980s and early 1990s, learnt on Thursday that he will not be released on parole after 20 years in prison.
Justice Minister Michael Masutha announced his decision on De Kock’s application for parole just before midday at a news conference in Pretoria.
“I am of the view that it is fair and in the interests of the victims and the broader community, that the families of the victims are afforded an opportunity to practise in the parole consideration process,” he told reporters in Johannesburg.
“I have not approved parole at this stage but have directed that a further profile be re-submitted not later than 12 months from today.”
Masutha said he held a meeting of the victims’ families on July 4, which was arranged to confirm whether they had been consulted on the parole application.
30 days to make a decision
De Kock approached the high court in Pretoria for a decision in May. The national council for correctional services made a recommendation about De Kock’s parole in November last year. The recommendation was sent to then correctional services minister S’bu Ndebele. When he failed to act, De Kock approached the high court to force him to do so…
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