Apartheid-era atrocities unpacked in documentary

Between 1986 and 1989, Louis Van Schoor, a former police dog unit member and security guard, killed 39 people. His modus operandi involved responding to silent alarms at business premises, where he ‘hunted’ and shot suspects with his 9mm Parabellum. Some victims were burglars, but others were innocent bystanders pulled in off the street. The Sunday Times reports that all were black or coloured. Many of the shootings were ruled ‘justifiable homicide’ by the police. In 1992, Van Schoor was convicted of seven murders and sentenced to 20 years in jail. He was released in 2004 after serving just 12 years. In a BBC Africa Eye documentary, SA journalist Isa-Lee Jacobson interrogates Van Schoor about his actions. Filmed over four years, The Apartheid Killer focuses on the stories of those whose lives were affected by these atrocities – including the relatives of victims and Van Schoor himself. Until now, many of the victims’ loved ones have never had the chance to share their stories. But in the documentary, they are finally given a platform to discuss what happened and its enduring impact on their lives.