Inquests into activists’ deaths after 3 decades
THE FAMILIES of three ANC activists from Kwazulu-natal who disappeared and died in 1986 might finally get justice after 36 years of being in the dark about what happened to their loved ones.
Addressing the media last week, the director of public prosecutions in the province, advocate Elaine Zungu, announced formal inquests relating to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission matter involving the disappearance of Ntombikayise “Ntombi” Kubheka, Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa, and Zamukwenzani Bright Mlobeli Sokhulu would be opened.
The three were alleged to have been members of a Kwamashu ANC cell which had a responsibility to provide shelter and food to members of Umkhonto we Sizwe. How they died remains a mystery, and their bodies have never been found.
“During 1986, the Port Natal security branch received intelligence information about the operations of an ANC cell at Kwamashu.
“The security branch planned an infiltration of this ANC cell and, to achieve their objectives, solicited assistance from Vlakplaas for the services of askaris.
“The askaris, having been deployed successfully, infiltrated the Kwamashu ANC cell. This infiltration led to the disappearance of several ANC activists, including the three activists,” said Natasha Ramkisson-kara, the NPA’S spokesperson in KZN.
In a separate matter, an inquest would be held into the death of Jameson Ngoloyi Mngomezulu, an ANC activist who was alleged to have been abducted from Swaziland in 1985 and taken to Jozini, where he was subjected to assault and torture. His body was then taken to Sodwana Bay, where it was blown up with explosives, said Ramkisson-kara.
The proceedings in respect of the three Kwamashu activists began on Monday, October 24 at the umlazi Magistrate’s Court, but were postponed to November 30.
Mngomezulu’s case will resume on Monday, November 7 at the Pongola Magistrate’s Court.