Eugene de Kock - A thousand shades of grey

Eugene de Kock - A thousand shades of grey

Author: SABC Radio News March 29, 2021 Duration: 5:11

The media painted him as the arch-villain of the apartheid era and labelled him "Prime Evil". The Truth Commission singled him out as the man who broke the code of silence and forced security policemen to seek amnesty. He was Eugene de Kock, former commander of the Vlakplaas death squad, convicted murderer serving two life sentences and 212 years in jail for apartheid crimes, and amnesty applicant who helped convict former president PW Botha for contempt of the Truth Commission. Eugene de Kock waged war against liberation movements in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Angola in the seventies and eighties. When he returned home to fight the ANC, he said: "My war is only just starting." At Vlakplaas, the colonel led his men from the front. At various amnesty hearings, the prisoner still refused to abandon them. But for his former masters, the politicians and the generals, Eugene de Kock had only bitter venom.


Credits: Angie Kapelianis, Darren Taylor, Sally Burdett and Danny Booysen.


From the series South Africa's Human Spirit. Available wherever you find your podcasts.


Transcript: http://www.sabctruth.co.za/sabctruth/worldsright.htm#thousand


© SABC 2021. No unauthorised use, copying, adaptation or reproduction permitted without prior written consent of the SABC.


Additional music by Whitesand - Do You Feel What I Feel? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM7qA8n9S88&list=RDkQSoW1VnkH4&index=47 


Produced by SABC Radio News, Moments in South African History is a deep and thoughtful exploration of the nation's complex past. This history podcast moves beyond simple dates and names, focusing instead on the pivotal figures, transformative events, and significant locations that collectively forged the country's identity. Each episode is crafted to feel like a conversation, drawing on archival material and narrative storytelling to bring a specific moment into sharp relief. You might hear about a decisive political meeting, the life of an overlooked cultural icon, or the story behind a landmark that holds layers of meaning. The aim is to provide context and connection, making the grand sweep of history personal and tangible. By tuning in, you engage with the multifaceted tapestry of triumphs, struggles, and ordinary lives that define South Africa. This series is for anyone curious about how the past continuously informs the present, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges and enriches our understanding. The podcast serves as an auditory archive, ensuring these crucial stories are remembered and reflected upon with the depth they deserve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 38

Moments in South African History
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