Former president Thabo Mbeki told a judicial inquiry he did not order prosecutors to halt apartheid-era crime cases or shield officers.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki denied on Monday that he ordered prosecutors to stop cases involving apartheid-era crimes or made secret deals to protect former security officers. Mbeki stated to a judicial inquiry in Johannesburg that the allegations were a "complete fabrication." The inquiry is examining claims of political interference that allegedly prevented investigations and prosecutions of crimes committed during white minority rule.
Mbeki, who led South Africa from 1999 to 2008, suggested the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should explain its failure to pursue cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). His testimony follows renewed efforts to address unprosecuted apartheid-era crimes, with the Foundation for Human Rights and 25 victim families calling for explanations and apologies. The African National Congress government has faced criticism for prioritizing reconciliation over justice for victims.
President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated the inquiry after survivors and victims' families sued successive governments for inaction on unresolved killings and disappearances. The TRC, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offered amnesty for full disclosure, but individuals denied amnesty or who did not apply remained liable for prosecution, leaving many families waiting decades for justice. Mbeki also submitted a sound clip of a Radio Freedom broadcast from the eve of the Cradock Four burial to the commission.
Why it mattersFormer president Thabo Mbeki's testimony before a judicial inquiry addresses allegations of political interference in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, directly impacting victims' families seeking justice.
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