Judicial Commission to probe unresolved apartheid-era crimes

TO ADDRESS past injustices, President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the process of establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate whether attempts were made to obstruct the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

These cases, referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), have long been a source of frustration for victims, their families, and human rights advocates.

Earlier this year, a legal challenge was brought before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria by survivors and relatives of victims of gross human rights violations under apartheid, along with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR).

The plaintiffs seek a high court declaration condemning the conduct of current government officials, including Ramaphosa, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, and SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

They alleged these officials have unlawfully refrained from, or obstructed investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes.