Kubayi: Govt committed to prosecuting apartheid crimes
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure those that those responsible for apartheid era crimes are brought to justice.
On Sunday, Kubayi delivered an address at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Sharpeville Commemoration and Anti-Racism Programme.
She said government remains determined to act on the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which documented numerous human rights violations during apartheid.
She explained that when allegations emerged suggesting that prosecutions linked to those crimes may have been blocked, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Khampempe Commission to uncover the truth and ensure accountability if wrongdoing is found.
According to the minister, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has opened 11 inquests so far, with six already completed.
Among the concluded matters is the COSAS 4 killings, where a decision was taken that police officers involved should face prosecution.
“We remain committed as government to ensure that the perpetrators of apartheid crimes as per the report of the TRC actually face the music,” Kubayi said.
She revealed that authorities are currently investigating 158 apartheid-related matters, while 35 decisions have been made to open further inquests and prosecutions.
The minister added that since taking over the portfolio, she has already approved more than ten inquests to proceed.
“I’ve already authorised more than 10 inquests as Minister of Justice to be opened and investigated, and we will continue to do so because this will help us heal the divisions of the past and help families find closure,” she said.
Kubayi noted that the NPA team responsible for these investigations is still carrying out its work, and the final report on some of the cases is yet to be finalised.
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