Durban — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in KwaZulu-Natal has decided that formal inquests should be held on matters related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) where several ANC activists disappeared.
One of the inquests is set down for today until Friday (October 24 - 28, 2022,) at the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court while the other is set down for November 7 to 11, 2022, at the Pongola Magistrate’s Court.
This is according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks in a joint statement issued yesterday (on Sunday) afternoon.
Ramkisson-Kara said in respect of the inquest proceedings that Ntombikayise “Ntombi” Khubeka, Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa and Zamukwenzani Bright Mlobeli/Sokhulu were ANC activists and were alleged to be members of the KwaMashu ANC cell. It had among its activities a responsibility to provide shelter and food to members of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) who had been deployed to carry-out military assignments inside the country.
In 1986 the Port Natal Security Branch received intelligence information about the operations of the ANC cell in KwaMashu. Consequently, the Security Branch planned an infiltration of this cell and to achieve their objectives, solicited assistance from Vlakplaas for the services of askaris.
“The askaris from Vlakplaas, having been deployed, successfully infiltrated the KwaMashu ANC cell. This infiltration led to the disappearance of several ANC activists including Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa and the kidnapping of Zamukwenzani Bright Mlobeli/Sokhulu and Ntombikayise “Ntombi” Khubeka,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
“During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission proceedings, several Port Natal Security Branch members applied for amnesty relating to the kidnapping and death of Ntombikayise ”Ntombi“ Khubeka. Some of the applicants were granted amnesty whilst others were not.”
Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA was subsequently mandated to look at matters where amnesty was not granted by the TRC and decide whether there was a prosecutable case or not. To assist the NPA in arriving at a proper decision, the Hawks were mandated to conduct investigations in such matters.
To assist with the speedy resolution of these matters, Parliament approved the establishment of units by both the NPA and the Hawks to focus on these matters, she said.
“Senior State advocates from the NPA’s TRC unit will be handling the inquest proceedings which are set down for October 24 - 28, 2022, at Umlazi Magistrate’s Court,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
She said that the DPP in KZN also considered the matter of the death of Jameson Ngoloyi Mngomezulu, who is alleged to have been an ANC activist who was abducted in 1985 from Swaziland by members of the Jozini Security Branch, assisted by askaris from Vlakplaas.
“He was taken to Jozini where he was subjected to assault, torture and other serious forms of physical and mental ill treatment. He died in their hand. His lifeless body was then taken to Sodwana Bay where it was blown up by the use of explosives. Certain members of the Security Branch applied and were granted amnesty in respect of his murder whilst others were refused amnesty,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
She said that after investigations were conducted by the Hawks: KZN TRC unit. The DPP decided that a formal inquest must be held to deal with the matter.
“Senior State advocates from the NPA’s TRC unit will be handling the inquest proceedings which is set down for November 7-11, 2022, at the Pongola Magistrate’s Court,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
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