Remains of eight Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) cadres killed and buried in Mafikeng cemetery during the apartheid era will be exhumed from Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
NPA spokesperson Lucinda Moonieya said the exhumations are in line with the NPA’s investigations ”into crimes of the past”.
”In 2003, the president pointed out that we have to deal with the reality that many of the participants in the conflict of the past did not take part in the Truth and Reconciliation [Commission] process.
”And we cannot resolve this matter by setting up yet another amnesty,” she said.
Moonieya said President Thabo Mbeki has directed that ”any further processes should be left in the hands of the NPA, for it to pursue any cases that it believes deserved prosecution”.
As a result of the pending investigations, the bodies of Andile Mrumshe, who was known as MK Limbo Tshabalala; Thembisile Mkhalipi (MK Jackson Modise); and Motlalekhotso Sello (MK UnthathileLethoko) will be exhumed between Monday and Wednesday.
The men were all shot at a roadblock between Makgobistat and Mafikeng, North West, on May 21 1986.
Also to be exhumed are the bodies of Peter Johnson (MK Tom Livingstone Gaza) and Karabo Madiba (MK Gabriel Seatlholo), who were killed on October 26 1984 outside Mafikeng.
At the time of their death, they were with Mikkie Xayiya, who survived and served time at Robben Island. Xayiya now works for Mvelaphanda Holdings.
”Three other MK cadres who died between January 1985 and January 1986 in Mafikeng will be identified through DNA tests,” Moonieya said.
She said families of slain MK members are expected to be present during the exhumations.
”These exhumations will be done in partnership with local experts, students and the Argentine Forensic Anthropology,” Moonieya said.
Once exhumed and tested, the remains will be buried where their families choose to place them. — Sapa