Media Statements

Minister Lamola to officially hand over exhumed remains of the Cato Manor Nine

22 January 2020

The Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Correctional Services, Hon. Ronald Lamola, will, officiate over the hand-over ceremony of the exhumed human remains of the Cato Manor 9.

The Cato Manor 9 comprised of the individuals: Thembinkosi Schoolboy Mthembu; Fanozi Brian Mgubungu; Msayineke Daniel Khuzwayo; Sililo Joseph Miya; Payiyana Dladla, Mahemu Goqo; Maqandeni Lushozi; Thompson Chamane; and Mhlawungeni Joe Khuzwayo. These individuals were hanged by the brutal Apartheid regime in 1961.

The exhumation of the remains of all prisoners who were hanged on death row between 1960 and 1990 is in accordance with the Gallows Exhumation project which was officially launched on 23 March 2016 at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

The then apartheid state retained custody of the remains of the deceased, thereby denying their families an opportunity to bury them. The state buried the deceased political prisoners as paupers in cemeteries in and around Tshwane.

The handover of the remains is an effort intended to bring closure to the families of the deceased political prisoners, and to honour their legacy.
The hand over of the remains seeks to afford families of the Cato Manor 9 dignified reburials while honouring their legacy

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 24 January 2020
Time: 10h00
Venue: Cato Manor Museum, Corner Mary Thipe and Rick Turner Streets, Durban

For media confirmations: Lerato Monethi, Media Liaison Officer, 082 906 9126

Enquiries:    
Mr Chrispin Phiri
Spokesperson: Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
081 781 2261
CPhiri@justice.gov.za