Joe Mamasela

Joe Mamasela (born June 2, 1953) is a former National Party (NP) government spy and assassin who was involved in the torture and murders or assassinations of many anti-apartheid activists including Griffiths Mxenge. Mamasela was an askari and part of the Vlakplaas counterinsurgency unit under the command of Eugene de Kock.

Early life Mamasela was born in Soweto, South Africa on June 2, 1953. His mother lived in a domestic suburb and would visit Mamasela and his siblings when she could.

Politics Mamasela became a student activist in his earlier years due to his interest in South African politics. He later was promoted to the position of Secretary-General of the South African Student Movement at his school. Despite admitting to killing these and other activists, Mamasela refused to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or apply for amnesty.