Former South African law and order minister Adriaan Johannes Vlok has died at Unitas Hospital in Pretoria at the age of 85.
Vlok served as Minister from 1986 to 1991. He also served as Deputy Defense Minister during South Africa’s past apartheid.
Family spokesman and former Vlok deputy press secretary Peet Bothma confirmed the death to SABC News.
He says that Vlok had been sick for a while…
During his time as minister of law and order, he played a role in restraining 17 anti-apartheid organizations…
and the arrest and repression of 30,000 people.
For testifying in his role during the apartheid atrocities. Vlok received amnesty from the Truth and Reconciliation commission in 1999.
In 2006 he made further revelations of his part in the torture and capture of anti-apartheid activists and washed the feet of the Reverend Frank Chikane, as a symbol of apology.
Family spokesman Peet Botha: “He passed away early this morning at Unitas hospital in Centurion. He was sick for a couple of months, in and out of the hospital. The reason for his death is not yet known, it only happened this morning. At this stage we are still looking into funeral arrangements for him, he has family in Australia.
