NEXT OF KIN AND WITNESSES OF VICTIMS OF TRC CASES SOUGHT
PRETORIA – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team responsible for investigating cases emanating from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) requests the assistance of the public in tracing witnesses and next of kin of victims of apartheid crimes. Most of the victims are reported to have committed suicide while in detention and others were allegedly shot while escaping from lawful custody.
Victims from Central Region (GP, NW,MP & LIM)
· Mohammed Faizel Abrams (Abrahim’s) had an altercation with police in 1988 and during such argument he was shot and killed in Standerton in Mpumalanga.
· William Nomedi Tshwane was allegedly shot and killed by police whilst trying to escape. He died at Modderbee prison on 25 July 1976 following his arrest for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle.
· Jundea Bolowa Tubakwa died in Pretoria Central a day after his arrest for terrorism. He was found dead, reportedly committed suicide.
· Nonoath Ntshintsha allegedly committed suicide in 1977 at John Voster Square
· Hanguala Shonyeka or James Hamakwayo died in Pretoria Central in October 1966, alleged suicide
Victims from Karoo Region (FS & NC)
· Ernest Mamashila was detained in Brakpan SAPS, later transferred to Balfour SAPS, where he allegedly committed suicide in 1976.
· Philip Nwanemantsu, Busi Mzala Majola and Sipho Dlamini, were allegedly killed on 4 June 1986 at a place called Dalraid Section in Mbabane, Swaziland.
· Petros and Jabulile Nyawose, were killed in a car bomb on 04 June 1982 in Matsapa village near Manzini in Swaziland.
· Betty Boom, Nomasonto Mashiya, Tex Sejanamne and Mbulelo Ngono, were kidnapped between December 1987 and March 1988 by former members of Ladybrand security branch and were never seen again.
Victims from Eastern Cape Region
· Gwaza Twalo was arrested by Wellington security branch members in Mthatha, Glamorgan and Aliwal North prisons, but no records could be found. His last known address is 243rd Avenue, Norwood, Mthatha.
· James Tyita, Pongoloshe Hoye and Ngeni Gaga were on separate occasions arrested by former Transkei Security members (SAP) in 1965 and died 24 hours after their arrest.
Western Cape Region
· Tyantoni Bellington Mampe was a POQO Activist. He died in prison hospital in September 1963 after being detained for 140 days at the Worcester prison. Before his arrest he stayed in Guguletu, he was 30 years old when he died. He was detained with Mr Bless Vuyisile.
Victims’ bodies not recovered
· Mlahleni Ignatius Mthebule was MK member operating around East Rand between 1986 and 1987, he was infiltrated by members of Security branch and disappeared.
· Boikie Thlapi was a political activist in Klerksdorp and Stilfontein, he was arrested by police and there is a witness who saw his body rapped in a refuse bag.
· Jacobus van der Merwe offered MK members a lift in November 1978, along the way they reportedly killed him and stole his vehicle, his body was never recovered.
· Marutle was a driver of a bakery truck and recruited workers to join COSATU in 1972. He was reportedly captured by Ian Smith’s Forces of the then Rhodesia operating in South Africa and he was never seen again.
· Simphiwo Mtimkhulu and Topsy Madaka on 14 April 1982 were driving to Livingstone hospital, Eastern Cape for check-up and never returned home.
· Solomzi China Talakumeni was shot by Transkei police members in 1986 and died the following day.
· Gwaza Duckworth Thwalo who was a medical doctor in Kwa-Zulu Natal disappeared between 1978 and 1979 in Zambia where he went for military training. He left the country in 1972, allegedly met Adias Josias Chabalala, Buti Johannes Malebo and Mkhwezi Macdonald in Francistown.
Anyone with any information about the deceased is requested to contact Colonel MB Nkuna on 071 330 2219 or alternately email MalepoF@saps.gov.za.
