Cradock four inquest hears testimony from former apartheid-era officials

Proceedings in the inquest into the 1985 deaths of anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto continued before the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha from 13 to 24 October 2025.

The four men, known as the Cradock Four, were abducted and murdered by apartheid security forces, and the inquest seeks to determine the full circumstances and accountability behind their deaths.

The latest sitting of the court heard testimony from several former apartheid-era officials who held senior roles in government and security structures at the time. Among them was former Deputy Education Minister Sam de Beer, who told the court that Matthew Goniwe had been identified as an “enemy of the state” by the apartheid security establishment.

De Beer testified that efforts to reinstate Goniwe as a teacher in Cradock were blocked by security forces. He said the interference formed part of a broader strategy by the regime to suppress political activity in communities opposed to apartheid rule.

Former intelligence officer Craig Williamson also appeared before the inquest. He denied any involvement in the planning or execution of the killings. Williamson told the court that his work during the apartheid era focused on foreign intelligence operations and that he had no operational role in domestic assassinations or security actions against activists inside South Africa.

Another witness, former security police officer Isak “Krappies” Engelbrecht, gave evidence about his alleged involvement in covert operations during the 1980s. Engelbrecht, who has been accused of acting as a “sweeper” to conceal or sanitise security activities, denied participating directly in the murders. He said he was aware of security operations targeting political activists at the time but did not play a role in the killings of the Cradock Four.

Retired General Christoffel van der Westhuizen also took the stand. Van der Westhuizen served in the former South African Defence Force and was responsible for coordinating security efforts in the Eastern Cape during the 1980s. He told the court that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the abduction and murder of the four activists.

He said he was not aware of any official orders authorising their elimination and distanced himself from the operational decisions made by regional security units. His testimony provided insight into the structure of coordination between the police, military, and intelligence services during that period.

The court also noted the absence of former security police Colonel Eugene de Kock, who was scheduled to testify but was unable to appear due to hospitalisation. Judge Thami Beshe ruled that proceedings would continue in his absence, with the option for his testimony to be heard at a later date once his health allows.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said, “The inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four remains an important process in uncovering the truth about one of the darkest chapters in South Africa’s history. The NPA remains committed to supporting the court in ensuring that all witnesses are heard and that justice is pursued through due legal process.”

The inquest has been adjourned until 23 March 2026, when hearings are expected to resume with further witness testimony and the consideration of outstanding administrative matters.