Families of Apartheid Victims Demand Justice in Landmark Case Against South African Government

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In a significant legal challenge, 25 families and survivors of apartheid-era violence, including relatives of the Cradock Four, have filed a lawsuit against the South African government. This case, presented in Pretoria's high court this week, seeks to hold the government accountable for failing to prosecute those responsible for the notorious 1985 killings of Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, Matthew Goniwe, and Sparrow Mkonto.

The Cradock Four were brutally murdered by security forces, an event that has haunted South Africa's history. Lukhanyo Calata, the son of Fort Calata, expressed the profound impact of his father's death, stating, “We were ultimately betrayed by the people that we trusted to lead us into a new society.” The families are demanding an inquiry into the lack of prosecutions and are seeking 167 million rand (approximately £7.3 million) in constitutional damages for investigations, memorials, and public education efforts.

The lawsuit emphasizes that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) denied amnesty to the six security officers involved but that they were never prosecuted. A spokesperson for the justice ministry confirmed that they are reviewing the lawsuit and will work with the National Prosecuting Authority on the matter.

The case highlights growing frustrations within the community regarding accountability for past atrocities, as many survivors feel excluded from the processes intended to bring justice and closure.

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