Commission to probe apartheid-era crimes in South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to establish whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to the National Prosecuting Authority.
A group of families of victims in January filed a 260-page affidavit calling for a commission within 30 days to investigate why TRC cases have not been properly investigated or prosecuted. They said Ramaphosa’s failure to act went against his constitutional duties. The group is led by Lukhanyo Calata, a journalist, and son of prominent activist Fort Calata who was murdered in the 1980s.
Allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations. Through this commission, Ramaphosa says he is determined that the true facts be established and the matter brought to finality.
The establishment of the commission of inquiry is the outcome of settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
Following discussions involving the Presidency, the families and other government bodies cited in the application, there was a joint agreement to establish the commission.
While the parties have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, they were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application. These include the application for an order that declares the actions of various government entities unlawful and a violation of the applicants’ rights, as well as the payment of constitutional damages by the state.
Ramaphosa said he appreciates the anguish and frustration of the families of victims, who have fought for so many years for justice.
“The President respects the decision of the families to continue to seek an order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts. Government will be seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry. The Presidency will shortly make an announcement on the head of the Commission of Inquiry, the time frames and the full terms of reference,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
-0- PANA CU/MA 2May2025
