Political interference hindered prosecution of apartheid era crimes, says NPA
Mbeki administration said to have feared the net would close in on ANC members and therefore allowed for 'backdoor amnesties'
The National Prosecuting Authority says it “cannot deny” that “severe political interference” stopped the state from pursuing dozens of cases linked to apartheid-era atrocities — against the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “The [NPA] does not deny that the executive branch of the state took what one can describe as political steps to manage the conduct of criminal investigations and possible prosecution of the perpetrators of the political murders,” senior prosecutor Torie Pretorius states in court papers filed this week. Pretorius’s evidence emerged in response to an application by apartheid-era police officer Joao Rodrigues to permanently stay his prosecution for the murder of activist Ahmed Timol. It has been met with outrage by 10 former TRC Commissioners, as well as the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation. They, as well as the family members of at least three murdered -anti-apartheid activists, have demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa institute an i...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.