Mbeki denies blocking apartheid crime prosecutions at inquiry

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 14:38 · Archive

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has denied allegations that he ordered prosecutors to halt apartheid-era crime cases or made secret deals to protect former security officers.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki denied allegations that he ordered prosecutors to stop cases involving apartheid-era crimes or struck secret deals to shield former security officers from justice. Mbeki, who served as president from 1999 to 2008, told a judicial inquiry in Johannesburg that the allegations were 'a complete fabrication'. He said the National Prosecuting Authority must explain why it failed to pursue cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The inquiry examines whether political interference in democratic South Africa prevented investigations and prosecutions of crimes committed under white minority rule. President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered it last April after survivors and victims' families sued successive governments for failing to investigate unresolved killings, disappearances and other crimes. The Foundation for Human Rights and 25 families of victims called for an explanation and apology, with the foundation's executive director saying families had 'waited and obfuscation' before finally seeking 'a candid explanation of why they have been denied justice'.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu from 1996, offered perpetrators amnesty in exchange for full disclosure of politically motivated crimes. Those denied amnesty or who did not apply remained liable to prosecution, but many victims' families have waited decades for justice. ANC-led governments have faced criticism for prioritising national reconciliation over justice for victims.

How it is being reported

• Former South African President denies impeding investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era casesFormer South African President Thabo Mbeki denies ordering prosecutors to halt apartheid-era crime cases or making secret deals to protect former security officers.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 14:13
• Former South African President denies impeding investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era casesFormer South African President Thabo Mbeki denies ordering prosecutors to halt apartheid-era crime cases or making secret deals to protect former security officers.Clickorlando · 19 Oct, 14:13

In this story: Thabo Mbeki · Cyril Ramaphosa · South Africa · National Prosecuting Authority · Truth and Reconciliation Commission · Desmond Tutu · African National Congress · Foundation for Human Rights

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