"The four men were pulled over by three white security police officers, handcuffed, and driven back towards Gqeberha. Mkonto was shot after a struggle, while the others were attacked from behind."
"Their bodies were stabbed several times by three black officers to create the illusion of a vigilante attack, and the corpses were subsequently set alight."
"More than 40 years later, the families are still fighting for justice, symbolizing the deficiencies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission."
"The TRC was designed to uncover human rights violations committed by the apartheid regime, but successive governments have failed to pursue justice for the victims."
On 27 June 1985, Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto were murdered by security police after an anti-apartheid meeting. Their bodies were mutilated and burned to disguise the crime. Known as the Cradock Four, their deaths symbolize the violence of apartheid. Despite the advent of democracy in 1994, families still seek justice and answers regarding the murders. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established to address human rights violations, has been criticized for failing to deliver justice for the victims and their families.
#cradock-four #apartheid #south-africa #truth-and-reconciliation-commission #human-rights-violations
Read at www.theguardian.com
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