The name of Former Vlakplaas commander, and co-founder Dirk Coetzee, who passed away recently, is indelibly etched into the minds of many people. The controversial former police officer said in 1997: “I was in the heart of the whore. “ “The one thing that I’ll have to live (with) till the day I die, is the corpses that I have to drag with me to my grave, of the people whom I killed. Remorse I can assure you, a lot. A hell of a lot.” Coetzee made this statement in a Special Report programme on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), aired on 10 November 1996. His death brought to the fore once again the pain that is his legacy with the mystery of where at least one activist, Sizwe Kondile, is buried. Kondile’s family spoke out upon hearing about his death, saying he never should have been granted amnesty, and the Khumulani Support Group said it was sad that he died before the whole truth could be revealed. His death has effectively put an end to the Naational Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s hopes to crack the case. In 1996, Coetzee testified how Kondile was shot in the head and then burnt with the policemen responsible for his death having a braai in the mean time. His confession came at a price though, with Coetzee stating in February 1997 that his life was constantly in danger and that he was seen as a traitor by the Afrikaner community.
To watch the Special Report episode where Coetzee testifies and speaks to the SABC, click below.
To watch the Special Report episode where Coetzee speaks about needing witness protection from the TRC, click below.
The SABC and the South African History Archives (SAHA) have launched a website containing a substantive body of material, especial y video material, relating to the TRC.
– By Christelle du Toit
