In 1999, South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) denied six security officers amnesty for their role in the killings of four men stopped at a roadblock in June 1985. They were never prosecuted and have all since died.
Now, as part of a group of 25 families and survivors of apartheid-era deaths and violence, Lukhanyo Calata is suing South Africa’s government for failing to bring his father’s alleged killers to court.
Calata’s case, filed at the high court in Pretoria this week, demands an inquiry to establish why there were no prosecutions. It also asks for “constitutional damages” of 167m rand (£7.3m) to fund further investigations, litigation, memorials and public education.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s justice minister, who was named as a respondent in the case, said: “Our legal section is reviewing the documents and will respond accordingly, adhering to due process. We will collaborate closely with the National Prosecuting Authority and the presidency on this matter.”
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