Cradock Four Case: Lukanyo Calata Blames Thabo Mbeki for Justice Delays

Lukanyo Calata, the son of one of the victims of the infamous Cradock Four case, has recently expressed his frustration with the delays in seeking justice for his father and three other activists who were brutally murdered by the apartheid regime in 1985. In an emotional statement, Calata has specifically placed the blame on former President Thabo Mbeki for the prolonged delay in the case and the lack of closure for the families of the victims.

The Cradock Four case has been one of the most high-profile cases in South African history, symbolizing the brutality and injustice of the apartheid era. The four activists, Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli, were abducted, tortured, and killed by the ruthless security forces for their anti-apartheid activities. The murders sparked international outrage and became a turning point in the struggle against the apartheid regime.

After the end of apartheid and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the families of the victims were hopeful that they would finally get justice and closure. However, their hopes were shattered when the case was struck off the trial roll in 2006 due to the lack of evidence. This decision was heavily criticized, with many claiming that crucial evidence and witnesses were deliberately withheld to protect the perpetrators of the crime.

In 2013, the case was reopened, only to be delayed once again due to the death of one of the accused, former security police officer Gideon Nieuwoudt. This was followed by more delays and postponements, leaving the families of the victims, including Lukanyo Calata, in a state of limbo and disappointment.

But what has caused the delays and frustrations in the Cradock Four case? According to Lukanyo Calata, the answer lies in the actions of former President Thabo Mbeki. In his statement, Calata accused Mbeki of deliberately stalling the process and preventing the case from coming to a conclusion.

Calata alleges that Mbeki, who was president when the case was reopened in 2013, had access to information and evidence that could have expedited the case and provided long-awaited justice. However, he claims that Mbeki chose to withhold this information, allowing the case to drag on for years with no progress.

This accusation is not without merit, as Mbeki has been criticized in the past for his lack of support for the TRC and his reluctance to fully cooperate with the commission’s investigations. In fact, during his presidency, Mbeki was known for his “quiet diplomacy” approach, where he avoided confrontation and preferred to resolve issues behind closed doors. While this approach may have worked in some cases, in the Cradock Four case, it has only resulted in unnecessary delays and disappointment for the families of the victims.

In light of Calata’s accusations, it is time for the South African government to take action and provide closure for the families of the Cradock Four. The delays in the case have not only caused emotional distress for the families but have also hindered the process of healing and reconciliation for the country as a whole. It is essential that the government takes a proactive stance and ensures that justice is served in a timely manner.

Furthermore, it is crucial for the government to learn from this case and implement measures to prevent such delays and injustices from happening again. This includes ensuring that all evidence and witnesses are made available for trials, and that the government fully cooperates with legal proceedings.

In conclusion, the Cradock Four case serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the apartheid era and the need for justice and closure for the victims and their families. Lukanyo Calata’s accusations against former President Thabo Mbeki hold weight and should be taken seriously. It is time for the government to take responsibility and make sure that justice is served for the Cradock Four and all those who have suffered at the hands of apartheid. Only then can we truly move forward as a united and just society.