Inquiry into Apartheid Crimes Resumes
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg, Gauteng –
After months of delays and legal wrangles, a landmark judicial probe into why so many apartheid-era crimes went unpunished is back on track, offering fresh hope to families who have waited decades for answers.
The inquiry, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year, resumed hearings this week amid calls for truth and accountability from victims’ relatives.
This step marks a key moment in South Africa’s ongoing struggle to face its painful past, where Black-led governments after 1994 are accused of blocking investigations into killings, torture, and other horrors from the apartheid time.
The Push for the Inquiry and Its Start
The commission kicked off in November 2025 but hit a snag right away when objections arose over one of its key lawyers. The National Prosecuting Authority argued that the chief evidence leader had ties to an old policy on apartheid crimes that courts later called unfair, leading to a postponement.
Now, with those issues sorted, the inquiry is moving forward under the guidance of retired Judge Sisi Khampepe. Her role is to dig into claims that post-apartheid leaders meddled in probes, perhaps to keep peace or shield big names.
President Ramaphosa ordered this review in April 2025 after a group of 25 survivors and family members took the government to court.
They said successive administrations, all under the African National Congress, dragged their feet or stopped outright the chase for justice in cases flagged by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission back in the late 1990s.
The TRC heard stories from thousands, granting amnesty to some who told the full truth, but left hundreds of serious crimes for the law to handle. Yet, few ended up in court, leaving families feeling betrayed by the very democracy they fought for.
This inquiry aims to uncover if there was “improper influence” in slowing or halting these cases. It will look at how the National Prosecuting Authority and justice department handled referrals from the TRC, checking for patterns of delay or outright blocks.
Ramaphosa has made it clear he wants the full facts out, calling it a way to close this chapter once and for all. For many, it is about more than history – it is a test of whether South Africa’s young democracy can hold itself accountable.
Key Cases and the Human Stories Behind Them
At the heart of the probe are heart-wrenching tales like that of the Cradock Four – four anti-apartheid fighters abducted, tortured, and killed by security forces in 1985.
Their bodies were found burned and dumped, but no one has faced trial despite confessions to the TRC. A fresh inquest into their deaths opened in June 2025, with families pushing for the truth as a last chance before key witnesses pass away.
Lawyers for the relatives say this is their final shot at knowing who gave the orders and why justice stalled for so long.
Other stories include the COSAS Four, young activists murdered in the 1980s, and figures like Chief Albert Luthuli, whose death in 1967 was ruled suspicious in a recent review.
These cases show a pattern: evidence gathered, suspects named, but probes fizzling out under post-1994 governments. Families argue this was no accident – perhaps to avoid rocking the boat in a new nation or protect those with ties to the old regime.
One relative shared how the wait has torn at their hearts, saying closure would let them heal and honour the lost.
The inquiry will hear from prosecutors, officials, and victims’ groups, piecing together why so few apartheid killers faced court.
It ties into broader frustrations with the TRC’s limits – while it brought some truth, it left gaps in justice that this review hopes to fill. Experts say understanding these blocks could strengthen today’s fight against corruption and inequality, showing that no one is above the law.
Broader Implications for South Africa
This resumption shines a light on how South Africa’s past still shapes its present. Apartheid’s scars run deep, with many feeling the rainbow nation’s promise of equality fell short when it came to holding wrongdoers accountable.
The inquiry could reveal if political deals or fear of unrest led to these delays, forcing a hard look at how early democratic leaders balanced peace with justice.
For a country still healing from division, getting this right could build trust in institutions and help bridge old divides.
On a practical level, the probe might lead to new guidelines for handling cold cases, ensuring future wrongs do not go unpunished.
It also boosts ongoing inquests, like those into student leader Siphiwo Mtimkhulu’s poisoning or the Pebco Three’s disappearances, where fresh evidence has revived hopes for charges.
Families hope this momentum brings real outcomes, not just reports gathering dust.
Calls for Transparency and Healing
As hearings pick up, voices from civil society urge full openness. Groups pushing for victims’ rights say the inquiry must go beyond finger-pointing to recommend fixes, like better support for families and stronger prosecuting tools.
They warn that without action, the cycle of hurt continues, leaving generations with unanswered questions.
President Ramaphosa’s office has stressed this is about facing facts head-on, honouring those who suffered under apartheid.
For everyday South Africans, it is a reminder that true freedom means justice for all.
As the inquiry unfolds, many will watch closely, hoping it brings the closure so long denied and strengthens the nation’s commitment to a fair future.
In the end, this resumption is more than a legal step – it is a chance to mend wounds and build a stronger society for everyone.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube