An interview with a convicted South African murderer, Louis van Schoor, who admitted to shooting dozens of black men during apartheid and claimed the police approved of his actions, has raised questions about his early release from prison. Van Schoor, known as the “Apartheid Killer,” described in chilling detail his killings as a security guard in East London, South Africa. Despite his claims that all his victims were criminals caught in the act, investigations have unearthed evidence suggesting otherwise.
In a shocking revelation, it was uncovered that Van Schoor had been involved in at least 39 killings, with his victims ranging from petty criminals to a 12-year-old child. Despite confessing to the police about each killing, he was only convicted of seven murders and served just 12 years in prison. The apartheid-era laws allowed him to justify his actions as “justifiable homicides,” claiming the victims were fleeing or resisting arrest. However, witness statements contradict his version of events, painting a picture of a ruthless killer who shot unarmed individuals, sometimes even toying with them before pulling the trigger.
The BBC’s investigation into Van Schoor’s case, led by journalist Isa Jacobson, has shed light on the brutality of his crimes and the systemic failings that allowed him to evade justice for so long. The stories of survivors who were shot by Van Schoor paint a horrifying picture of his sadistic tendencies and the terror he instilled in the black community of East London. The release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 marked the beginning of the end for Van Schoor’s impunity, leading to his arrest in 1991 and a trial that exposed the flaws within the apartheid-era judicial system.
Numerous young black men and boys who shared their firsthand experiences of being assaulted and shot by Van Schoor met a similar fate.
During Van Schoor’s trial, testimonies like these were presented, but the judge consistently disregarded the witnesses as “unsophisticated” and “unreliable.” In South Africa, there are no jury trials, so the judge’s opinion is final.
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During Van Schoor’s trial, many members of the white community in East London supported him. One businessman even produced bumper stickers with images of the security guard that read “I Love Louis” next to a heart riddled with bullet holes.
Patrick Goodenough, a South African journalist who spearheaded the 1980s investigation into Van Schoor, noted, “There was clear racial bias in the legal system.” He attended the trial and witnessed the massive support Van Schoor received.
There is no time limit for murder or attempted murder cases in South Africa, allowing for the possibility of reopening Van Schoor’s case and reevaluating the “justifiable” shootings.
Dominic Jones, a journalist who helped expose Van Schoor’s killing spree, stated, “Louis van Schoor was essentially going out and killing people for sport.”
The BBC’s investigation unveiled shocking revelations through interviews with Van Schoor himself, suggesting he derived pleasure from his actions.
Journalist Isa Jacobson dedicated years to examining Louis van Schoor’s case [BBC]
Many businesses under Van Schoor’s protection installed silent alarms. He would receive alerts when intruders broke in, enabling him to surprise and locate them inside the building, always working alone.
Van Schoor claimed he never intended to kill black people and denied being racist, yet he admitted finding stalking them in the dark “exciting.”
Before working as a security guard, Van Schoor spent 12 years in the East London police force handling “attacker dogs” to apprehend protesters and criminals, primarily black individuals.
Former anti-apartheid activist Tetinene “Joe” Jordan recalled Van Schoor’s hunting-like behavior.
Van Schoor vehemently denied being a “serial killer” and justified his actions as legal, shifting blame to the police who supported and endorsed him.
Police records revealed instances where officers were present during the shootings but did not challenge Van Schoor as a suspect.
“Van Schoor was a serial killer because there was a society that allowed him to be one,” stated Ms. Jacobson.
For the families of Van Schoor’s victims, the lack of closure and the state’s failure to investigate thoroughly remain a source of ongoing pain.
The case of Van Schoor preceded South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, leaving many victims without compensation for apartheid-era crimes.
The early release of apartheid-era criminals, including Van Schoor, has sparked controversy in South Africa, with protests erupting over parole decisions. Hace unos años, Eugene de Kock, a cargo de un escuadrón de la muerte responsable del secuestro, tortura y asesinato de decenas de activistas negros también fue liberado.
Hoy en día, Van Schoor pasa la mayor parte de su tiempo viendo rugby, fumando y jugando con su rottweiler, Brutus. Él dice que no recuerda muchos de sus asesinatos.
Algunos informes han afirmado, sin verificación, que disparó a tantas como 100 personas. Van Schoor lo niega, pero reconoce que su número de disparos puede exceder el número documentado de 39.
“Honestamente no sé cuántos disparé. Algunos dicen más de 100, algunos dicen 40… Digamos para el argumento que disparé a 50 personas”, nos dijo.
Él dice que está orgulloso de sus acciones pasadas.
“No siento culpa”, dijo. “No tengo remordimientos por dentro.”
La BBC contactó a la policía sudafricana para hacer comentarios, pero no respondieron. Las autoridades no han dado explicación por qué los asesinatos de Van Schoor no han sido revaluados en la era post-apartheid.
“Hay demasiado dolor, y por ahora no siento que se esté haciendo lo suficiente para que podamos sanar”, dice Marlene Mvumbi.
“No son solo los que fueron asesinados por Van Schoor. Los que tienen historias similares de los asesinatos del régimen del apartheid.”
Investigación por Isa Jacobson y Charlie Northcott