Media Statements

Minister Masutha to officiate the Spiritual Repatriation and Symbolic Burial of TRC identified victims of Apartheid

29 June 2016

As part of the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv. Michael Masutha, will officiate the symbolic burial of three late members of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK), Selby Mavuso, Sizwe Kondile and Johannes Sambo, at Freedom Park, Pretoria on Friday, 01 July 2016.

The symbolic reburial at Freedom Park will be preceded by a ceremonial repatriation of the late MK members’ spirits. The ceremonial repatriation will be led by their families and facilitated by the department from the spot where the three MK members were killed on Thursday, 30 June 2016 at Lebombo Border Post, Komatipoort.

Selby Mavuso, Sizwe Kondile and Johannes Sambo were killed by members of the apartheid era Vlakplaas Unit during the late eighties. The Missing Persons Task Team has confirmed that their remains are not recoverable due to the manner in which they were disposed of after being killed.

Members of the media are invited to join the Department and families for the repatriation process in Mpumalanga as follows:
Date:              30 June 2016
Time:             09:00
Venue:           Lebombo Border Post, Komatipoort

Members of the media are invited for the symbolic reburial as follows:

Date   :  01 July 2016
Time   : 10:30
Venue:  Freedom Park, Pretoria

For media confirmations contact Mr Andile Tshona on 073 566 3345 or Tshona_ab@yahoo.com or Ms Suzan Mphuthi on 083 672 5805 or smphuthi@justice.gov.za.

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development  

Enquiries: Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Correctional services
0836418141
Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za