/ 26 June 1997

TRC tracks down Cebekhulu

THURSDAY, 4.30PM

THE Truth and Reconciliation Commission have tracked down Katiza Cebekhulu, who fled the country in 1992 while on trial as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s co-accused on kidnapping and assault charges related to the murder of teen activist Stompie Seipei.

Commissioner Yasmin Sooka, who is in charge of the TRC’s investigation into the Madela United football team, a gang of thugs who accompanied Madikizela-Mandela in the late 1980s, confirmed that commission investigators know of Cebekhulu’s whereabouts and plan to interview him. It is believed Cebekhulu is in London.

Cebekhulu fled to Lusaka, Zambia while on trial in 1992, claiming he feared for his life after threats from Madikizela-Mandela. He approached the African National Congress for help, but ended up in a Lusaka jail. Before fleeing, Cebekhulu made allegations about Madikizela-Mandela’s involvement in Seipei’s kidnapping and murder, and claimed the murder of Soweto doctor Abubaker Asvat was linked to the murder of Seipei.

The TRC announced earlier this week that it is to subpoena Madikizela-Mandela for questioning about the actions of her “football team” and her alleged part in the murder of Seipei.