GQEBERHA – The proceedings in the inquest into the 1985 deaths of the Cradock Four – anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto, continued before the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha from 13 to 24 October 2025.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, the latest session featured testimony from several former apartheid-era officials. Among them was former Deputy Education Minister Sam de Beer, who confirmed that Goniwe had been labelled an “enemy of the state” by the apartheid security establishment. “He testified that security forces interfered with efforts to reinstate Goniwe as a teacher in Cradock, linking such interference to the regime’s broader strategy of suppressing political dissent,” Tyali explained.
Tyali said former intelligence operative Craig Williamson also appeared before the inquest, denying any involvement in the planning or execution of the murders. “He maintained that his work during the apartheid era focused on foreign intelligence operations rather than domestic assassinations,” he revealed.
He further revealed: “Former security police officer Isak “Krappies” Engelbrecht, who has been alleged to have acted as a “sweeper” in covert operations, testified regarding his purported role in concealing or sanitising security activities targeting activists in the 1980s. Engelbrecht denied direct involvement in the killings but conceded awareness of broader security operations during that period.”
He also said that retired General Christoffel van der Westhuizen, who served in the former South African Defence Force (SADF) and was responsible for security coordination in the 1980s, also took the stand. “He denied any knowledge of or involvement in the abduction and murder of the Cradock Four, stating that he was unaware of any orders to eliminate the activists and distanced himself from operational decisions taken by regional security units.”
He added that the court also noted the absence of former security police Colonel Eugene de Kock, who was unable to testify due to hospitalisation.
“Judge Thami Beshe, who presides over the inquest, ruled that proceedings would continue in his absence, with the possibility of his testimony being heard at a later stage,” he concluded.
The inquest has been adjourned until 23 March 2026, when hearings are expected to resume with further witness testimony and the consideration of outstanding administrative matters.
