South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate claims that efforts were made to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
The decision follows settlement discussions in a court case brought by families of victims of political killings and disappearances dating back to the apartheid regime. The families argue that successive post-apartheid governments failed to adequately pursue justice for these atrocities.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency acknowledged longstanding allegations that previous administrations may have interfered with or delayed efforts to investigate crimes committed under white minority rule.
“Allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations,” the statement read. “Through this commission, President Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established and the matter brought to finality.”
Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was formed to investigate human rights abuses and foster national healing. The TRC submitted a list of hundreds of cases to the National Prosecuting Authority for follow-up, many of which have remained dormant for decades.
Earlier this year, 25 survivors and relatives of victims filed a lawsuit in the Pretoria High Court seeking approximately 167 million rand (around $9 million) in damages from the state. However, the government now intends to ask the court to suspend the case pending the outcome of the new inquiry.
The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), which is supporting the victims’ families, welcomed the formation of the commission but criticized the attempt to delay the court’s ruling on damages.
“Instead of entering into mediation, the president has decided to offload the declaration of rights and constitutional damages onto a commission of inquiry, which has no authority to deal with it,” the FHR said in a statement.
No timeline was given for the commission’s commencement or conclusion.
