De Kock’s ‘state salary’ sparks row

The state has to answer to why former Vlakplaas commander Eugene de Kock is being paid thousands of rands by the state while the guards and cleaners taking care of him haven’t been paid for two years.

This year, it was revealed during the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture that the State Security Agency (SSA) paid De Kock R200 000 a month for his upkeep after he was released on parole in 2015

De Kock was sentenced to 212 years in prison for his part in crimes against humanity.

It was further alleged De Kock was receiving a salary of R40 000 per month since his release.

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa wrote to Sate Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo this week and accused the state of neglecting to pay the recruits while providing care for De Kock.

“The government must explain why are they protecting De Kock,” Holomisa said.

He added the minister responded the same day and said the matter was being attended to.

SSA spokesman Mava Scott said the department has indicated earlier it reserved the right to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile Johan Botha, a forensic auditor from Pretoria, investigated De Kock’s finances after the allegations at the Zondo commission.

Botha said he has established that De Kock does not receive a R40 000 salary from the state.

“We have written to Judge [Raymond] Zondo to inform him De Kock does not receive R40 000 salary,” he said. Botha could not comment on the allegations of the living costs of R100 000.

“Guards are guarding him and there is a cleaner as well. Considering the staff salaries and the upkeep of the property which could estimate up to so much money, but I can’t comment on it,” he said.

Botha said De Kock was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and like many others applied and was approved as a beneficiary at the Nongqai Trust, which was founded to assist people with PTSD with funds for medication and food.

During the lifestyle audit, Botha noticed De Kock’s accountant was allegedly stealing since 2012. Botha said he confronted the accountant who admitted guilt and a case was opened at the Commercial Crime Court in Pretoria in April. The trust was also notified about the theft.

Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said the “legend of Eugene” continues.

He said at times you will find out some of those things being said about “salaries and all are just part of the detour being fought by individuals in high places and so forth”.