A man killed in a shootout with South African police had reportedly compiled a list of politicians, businesspeople and journalists whom he described as “enemies of the Boerevolk”, according to a report by News24.
The document was reportedly discovered in a diary belonging to Cornelius van Dalen, who was killed during an operation by the police’s special task force on a farm outside Robertson in the Western Cape on Monday evening.
According to the report, the five-page list contained the names of prominent people from different sectors of South African society. Journalists and political commentators were also allegedly included.
The term “Boerevolk”, referring broadly to the Boer or Afrikaner people, has historical and political significance in South Africa and has also been used by groups advocating for Afrikaner nationalism.
Gunman killed during police operation
Van Dalen was killed after a confrontation with members of the police’s special task force on a farm near Robertson.
The circumstances surrounding the operation and the events that led to the fatal shootout remain under investigation.
The discovery of the alleged list has raised concerns about whether Van Dalen may have been planning or considering attacks against people he regarded as political or ideological opponents.
However, the existence of a list does not by itself establish that the people named were targeted or that an attack against them was imminent.
Names reportedly included
News24 reported that the list included politicians, business figures and journalists considered by Van Dalen to be enemies of the “Boerevolk”.
The report did not establish that the individuals named had been threatened directly by Van Dalen or that they were aware they had been listed.
Authorities are expected to examine the document as part of their broader investigation into Van Dalen and the circumstances surrounding the police operation.
The discovery could also help investigators determine his political or ideological motivations and whether he had links to other individuals or organisations.
Investigation continues
The case comes amid renewed concerns in South Africa about politically motivated violence and threats against public figures.
Police investigators will now have to determine the significance of the names contained in the diary and whether the document was connected to any planned criminal activity.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not indicated that everyone named in the document was necessarily in immediate danger.
Further details are expected as investigators examine Van Dalen’s belongings and establish the events leading up to his death.
The allegations surrounding the list remain under investigation, and no criminal conduct should be inferred from the mere appearance of a person’s name in the document.