Special Report Transcript Episode 33, Section 2, Time 08:52

Missing details protected the perpetrators at two inquests into the murders of Matthew Goniwe, prominent Cradock activist and teacher, Sparrow Mkonto, Fort Calata and Sicelo Mhlauli. The Cradock Four disappeared in June 1985 while travelling between Cradock and Port Elizabeth. Their burnt bodies were found near St George’s Beach. Sicelo Mhlauli was found without one hand. The first inquest found that they were killed by unknown persons. Seven years later the New Nation reported that a signal was sent from the Eastern Cape Joint Management Centre to the secretariat of the State Security Council; it said that Matthew and Mbolelo Goniwe and Fort Calata should be permanently removed from society as a matter of urgency. Three weeks later the Cradock Four were dead. The signal was sent by Colonel Lourens du Plessis on the orders of General Joffel van der Westhuizen to Major General Johannes van Rensburg. General Van der Westhuizen said he could not remember the signal. General Van Rensburg remembered the signal but argued ‘permanent removal from society’ meant detaining the men. In the end, Judge Zietsman concluded that the security forces were responsible for the killings but that he was unable to identify the murder or murderers. This week, they identified themselves. Colonel Harold Snyman, Superintendent Gerhardus Lotz and Colonel Eric Taylor will tell us later this year exactly how the Cradock Four died. Perhaps they will tell us where is the hand of Sicelo Mhlauli.

Notes: Cradock Four funeral; New Nation article ‘Death order from General’; Newspaper headlines: ‘Goniwe considered enemy, court told’ ‘General denies ordering killing’ ‘Goniwe inquest: SADF blames Security Police’ ‘Security forces killed Cradock 4, judge rules