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Wheels of justice turn as inquests continue

Wheels of justice turn as inquests continue

eNCA4 days ago

GQEBERHA - On Tuesday, the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha visited the home of struggle hero, Matthew Goniwe.
The court is holding an inquest into his death and that of Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkonto.
The Cradock 4 inquest is but one of many inquiries into apartheid-era crimes.
SA Human Rights Commissioner, Tshepo Madlingozi, discussed the progress of the prosecution of historical crimes.

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JOHANNESBURG - The son of slain apartheid activist Fort Calata has testified before an inquest that he was told by a senior government official that his father's case was part of the price that had to be paid during negotiations for South Africa's freedom. The Cradock inquest is on its fifth day in the Gqeberha High Court, and Lukhanyo Calata is on the witness stand. The inquiry is to establish whether the apartheid security branch police or any other people can be held liable for the deaths of the anti-apartheid activists. Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkhonto were abducted and assassinated by police in 1985. IN PICS: Gqeberha High Court Judge visits key locations linked to lives of 'Cradock Four' It's a widespread rumour that the negotiators of South Africa's freedom in the run-up to democracy may have agreed to certain conditions that have led to most black South Africans remaining disadvantaged, and the perpetrators of apartheid crimes being let off the hook. But on Friday, in the 'Cradock Four' inquest, the son of Calata, Lukhanyo, told the Gqeberha High Court of a conversation he had with the Deputy Minister of Justice, John Jeffrey, in 2017. 'The deputy minister said you know the issues of the TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission], including the 'Cradock Four' matter, was part of the price that had to be paid for the negotiation settlement. When he said that my blood was boiling, because what did he mean that this was part of the price that had to be paid?' Calata said his family was not willing to accept that his father was used by politicians as a pawn in some kind of negotiation game. ALSO READ: Judge visits locations related to killings of Cradock Four

Judge's secretary gets written death threat amid harassment inquiry
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Andiswa Mengo, who accuses Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge of sexual assault, has received a death threat in the form of a letter left in her office. Image: Office of the Chief Justice / N Mabusela The Women's Legal Centre, which is representing the Eastern Cape High Court judge's secretary Andiswa Mengo in her sexual harassment complaint against Judge President Selby Mbenenge, has condemned the recent death threat sent to the court employee. This is after Mengo received a handwritten note left at her desk at court on Friday, with the words 'a bullet is waiting for you'. Mengo is still working at the high court. In a statement, the Women's Legal Centre confirmed that Mengo received a written death threat at her place of work. 'We can further confirm that this is not the first threat she has received since filing a complaint of sexual harassment against the Judge President of the Eastern Cape,' the centre said. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is conducting a hearing into sexual harassment complaints made by Mengo against Mbenenge, which is due to resume on June 30. The legal centre, meanwhile, said that throughout the tribunal proceedings, it has consistently raised concerns about its client's safety and security. 'Following this latest threat, we have again raised the matter with her employer, the Office of the Chief Justice, as well as the Judicial Service Commission and the Tribunal panel,' the legal centre said. It stressed that the safety and well-being of Mengo and her family should be treated as a top priority. The legal centre said this incident reflects the precarious and dangerous position women find themselves in after reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. It added that this highlights the urgent need for victim-centred systems that prioritise physical and emotional protection. It said women should be able to speak out without fear and intimidation, or retaliation. 'The reality is that women who report sexual harassment are targeted and silenced. Ms Mengo's courage must be met with protection, not punishment,' the legal centre said. During the first sitting of the tribunal, Mengo gave evidence to the effect that Judge Mbenenge used his position of power to sexually harass and intimidate her. She testified about a plethora of WhatsApp messages between them and said Mbenenge had sent emojis, many of a sexual nature. She also claimed that Judge Mbenenge has sent her a picture depicting his private part - a claim the judge president vehemently denied. Mbenenge said that flirting took place between them but denied the sordid details as testified by Mengo.

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