Lukanyo Calata, the son of one of the victims in the infamous Cradock Four case, has recently spoken out about the delays in justice for his father and the other activists who were brutally murdered by the apartheid regime in 1985. In a scathing statement, Calata has placed the blame squarely on former South African President Thabo Mbeki for the slow progress in the case.
The Cradock Four – Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli – were anti-apartheid activists who were abducted and killed by the security forces in the town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Their bodies were found burnt and mutilated, sending shockwaves throughout the country and the world. The case has been ongoing for over three decades, with no one being held accountable for the heinous crimes.
In a recent interview, Lukanyo Calata expressed his frustration and disappointment with the lack of progress in the case. He stated that the delays in justice have caused immense pain and suffering for the families of the victims, who have been waiting for justice for far too long. Calata also pointed out that the delays have allowed the perpetrators to escape accountability and continue living their lives without facing the consequences of their actions.
But what has caused these delays in the first place? According to Calata, it is the actions of former President Thabo Mbeki that have hindered the progress of the case. He accused Mbeki of not taking the case seriously and failing to provide the necessary resources and support to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure a speedy trial. Calata also alleged that Mbeki’s administration had interfered with the case, leading to key evidence being lost or destroyed.
These allegations against Mbeki have sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice for the Cradock Four. Many have expressed their support for Calata’s statement and have called for Mbeki to be held accountable for his role in the delays. The families of the victims have also joined in the outcry, demanding that the case be given the attention and urgency it deserves.
In response to these allegations, Thabo Mbeki has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that he had no involvement in the delays in the Cradock Four case. He also pointed out that the NPA is an independent body and that he had no authority to interfere with their work. However, these statements have not satisfied the families of the victims, who continue to hold Mbeki responsible for the delays.
The Cradock Four case is not an isolated incident. It is just one of many cases from the apartheid era that have yet to see justice being served. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established to address these cases and promote reconciliation in South Africa. However, many feel that the TRC failed to deliver justice and that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been let off the hook.
It is time for the South African government to take a stand and ensure that justice is served for the victims of apartheid. The delays in the Cradock Four case and other similar cases are a stain on our democracy and a reminder of the injustices of the past. The families of the victims deserve closure and the perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Lukanyo Calata’s statement has once again brought the spotlight on the delays in the Cradock Four case and the role of former President Thabo Mbeki in these delays. It is a call to action for the government to prioritize these cases and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. Let us not forget the sacrifices made by these activists and let us continue to fight for justice and equality in our country.
