South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a judicial probe into claims that officials blocked the prosecution of apartheid crimes. The move comes 30 years after white rule ended. Families who sued the government over a lack of justice prompted this action. Ramaphosa wants "the facts established," according to his office.
Twenty-five families seek $9 million in damages, saying past governments never properly investigated racist crimes. One plaintiff is the son of Fort Calata, killed with three other activists in 1985, a group later called the Cradock Four. Six former police officers admitted their role but never faced trial. All these officers have died.
Critics long claimed the African National Congress made secret deals with former white rulers to stop prosecutions, which the party denies. The government acknowledged accusations of "improper influence" delaying investigations have persisted through several administrations. Officials will name the inquiry head soon.
Twenty-five families seek $9 million in damages, saying past governments never properly investigated racist crimes. One plaintiff is the son of Fort Calata, killed with three other activists in 1985, a group later called the Cradock Four. Six former police officers admitted their role but never faced trial. All these officers have died.
Critics long claimed the African National Congress made secret deals with former white rulers to stop prosecutions, which the party denies. The government acknowledged accusations of "improper influence" delaying investigations have persisted through several administrations. Officials will name the inquiry head soon.
