Dr Reneva Fourie
Every so often, the brutality of our past returns to haunt us. A harrowing example of the barbarism of the apartheid security forces that has recently resurfaced is the assassination of the Cradock Four.
In 1985, anti-apartheid activists Mathew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkonto, Fort Calata and Sicelo Mhlauli collectively called the Cradock Four were abducted and murdered. Their mutilated, charred bodies were found days later, scattered in various locations along the Eastern Cape coastline. It is distressing that the unmasking of the details of their murders is being postponed due to the quibbling over legal costs.
Exposing the truth and upholding justice appear complementary yet have been rendered complicated within the legal system of South Africa. Unravelling the exact sequence of events leading to the murders of the four freedom fighters is essential for reaching closure and preserving historical accuracy. However, it will require a financial burden on the taxpayer.
The initial inquest conducted by the apartheid state in 1987 concluded that the Cradock Four met their demise at the hands of unknown individuals, resulting in no prosecutions.
