Former apartheid askari Joseph “Joe” Mamasela and his alleged accomplice, Michael “Tebogo” Macitinga, were arrested for allegedly killing 15 anti-apartheid activists.
Mamasela and Macitinga appeared in the Benoni Regional Court on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
Hawks National Spokesperson Katlego Mogale said Mamasela was granted bail of R5,000, while Macitinga was released on warning.
Mamasela (74) and Macitinga (66) face 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
These, according to Mogale, are linked to the deaths of anti-apartheid activists more than four decades ago.
Mogale said the charges stem from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State’s investigations into allegations that emerged during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings.
She said Mamasela and Macitinga’s charges relate to three incidents known as Operation Zero Zero, the Nietverdiend 10, and the KwaNdebele 9.
Mogale said the accused allegedly lured young activists to their deaths.
“In all these incidents, the accused allegedly deceived the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. Instead, they met their deaths at the hands of the suspects and two accomplices who allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock,” said Mogale.
Mogale said Mamasela and Macitinga were ordered to surrender their passports, not to apply for travel documents, remain within Gauteng, and should inform the investigating officer in writing of any travel plans. They must also report to the Moroka and Benoni police stations once a month.
Mogale said a third accused in the matter has since died.
By midnight on Thursday, she said, the case will be 41 years old.
The case was transferred to the South Gauteng High Court sitting in Benoni and postponed to 1 February 2027 for the pair’s next appearance.
