Families deserve truth,justice for loved ones killed during apartheid: Simelane

Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane said she, along with 25 other families, deserve the truth and justice for their loved ones murdered during apartheid.

Simelane is the first witness to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry probing allegations of political interference in apartheid era prosecutions.

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The inquiry was delayed for nine months due to administrative delays and several recusal applications.

Her sister, Nokuthula Simelane, disappeared in 1983 while on a mission for the African National Congress (ANC) in Eswatini.

Simelane has fought unsuccessfully for years to have those responsible prosecuted.

She said she feels betrayed.

“We feel betrayed, I feel betrayed; the State has betrayed us. I had hoped that the new system would at least give me the truth, which is what the TRC promised us - nothing else just the truth. That’s what I can say on behalf of these families. It’s been a lonely journey.”