Horror of 1985 Langa massacre remembered

THOSE killed in the Langa Massacre more than two decades ago will be remembered at a special service in Uitenhage today.

The event, organised by the Langa Massacre Coordinating Committee, will also give those affected by and who survived the tragedy, an opportunity to share their stories.

Andile Ngoqo, 51, an unemployed resident who still lives in Langa, is among those who will share his experience at the Babs Madlakane Hall in KwaNobuhle.

Ngoqo said yesterday being chased by running towards shacks Road to seek refuge.

“I’m still haunted by the tragic events, having nightmares of being chased by the police and hearing gunshots he remembered police and in Maduna and many of my peers screaming and soon their screams turned to silence,” he said.

“I hope the Uitenhage Langa Massacre will be respected, and given similar national attention as other tragic massacres in South Africa.”

The Langa Massacre occurred on March 21 1985, when a crowd gathered and started marching to a funeral which had been banned.

They were confronted by police along the way, who ordered them to disperse and then opened fire, killing 20 people.

Another survivor, Vusumzi Fatman, will be the guest speaker.

Coordinating committee member Mncedisi Sitoto said apart from paying tribute to those who died, they would also discuss plans for the massacre’s 30th anniversary in 2015. The event is from 8am to 2pm today.