Ashley Kriel 30 years on
Activist, hero Ashley Kriel was killed 30 years ago by apartheid police
IN HONOUR of Ashley Kriel, a former MK soldier who was shot dead by apartheid police, members of the MK veterans, senior ANC members and family members held a wreath-laying ceremony in Maitland at his gravesite to mark 30 years since his death.
Kriel, then a 20-year-old student activist from Bonteheuwel, was killed in 1987 in Hazendal, Athlone.
He had returned home after receiving military training in exile.
Apartheid policeman Jeffrey Benzien received amnesty at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the death of Kriel.
“The ceremony opened old wounds and brought back many memories of my brother. He was still young and had not lived his life to the full. For the first time we have closure. People don’t understand why we are still crying after all these years. This is special and significant. He made an ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and this shows that he is not forgotten,” said Melanie Assure, Kriel’s sister.
Assure said family and friends never got the chance to pay their respects properly as police presence was high, with some not allowed to attended the funeral.
“I can still recall how chaotic it was; one policeman came to us carrying a gun and said ‘Maak klaar en begrawe die vark gou’ (Finish up and bury the pig quickly). He never got a dignified funeral,” she said.
MK chairperson Fumanekile Booi described Kriel as “a noble and dedicated man”.
Nadine Cloete, a film director, who made the documentary Action Kommandant, about the life of Kriel, said speeches about him touched many, and those who did not know him got to know the brother, son and soldier.
“It was an honour to share the moment and learn more about him, I just wish more young people were there because they need to know our heroes.”
Cloete said the documentary about Kriel reflected his sacrifice and commemorated his death. It showed how he was highly regarded, as well as his activism in various communities.
The screening, which was to be held after the wreath-laying, was postponed due to an ANC press conference, which senior ANC members had to attend. The screening was rescheduled to the end of the month, and public screening will take place in various areas for free in a few days’ time.
Booi said MK had approached Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa about the Hazendal house where Kriel was killed being turned into a heritage site, and they had shown a willingness to do that.