Cradock Four inquest begins in Gqeberha as families seek justice

AFTER nearly four decades of unanswered questions, the latest inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four has officially begun in the Eastern Cape city of Gqeberha.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

The families of Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli are hoping this renewed legal process will finally bring accountability for the brutal killings of the four anti-apartheid activists in 1985.

This marks the third official inquiry into the high-profile case, which has long symbolised the struggle for justice in post-apartheid South Africa. While previous investigations have pointed to police involvement, no one has ever been held criminally responsible.

The Cradock Four were abducted and murdered during the apartheid regime's crackdown on political dissent. Their charred bodies were discovered near Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in June 1985, sparking national outrage and international condemnation.