Cradock Four inquest to get underway on Monday

Anti-apartheid activists, Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkonto, were abducted and killed by security police while leaving Gqeberha in 1985.

This is the third inquest since the four anti-apartheid activists were abducted and murdered. 

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi will attend the inquest at the Gqeberha High Court.

Terrence Manase, the department's spokesperson, says this inquest forms part of ongoing efforts to address unresolved cases from the apartheid era.

"The initial sitting will focus on placing on record the parties and legal representatives involved in the matter, and the judge will also provide direction on the issue of conducting an inspection in loco at the original crime scenes.

"This inquest forms part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to address unresolved cases from the apartheid era and to advance justice and closure for affected families and communities." 

The reopening of the inquest comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe to chair a judicial commission of inquiry into whether efforts were made to suppress investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes.

The inquiry will investigate allegations of “improper influence in delaying or hindering” apartheid-era cases, including whether members of the SAPS and NPA were pressured not to act.

The decision follows a court application launched by 25 survivors and relatives of apartheid victims.

They accused successive post-apartheid governments, led by the ANC, of failing to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations.

Many families believe the government has chosen national reconciliation over justice and accountability.

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