CACADU – The trial of a former police officer attached to the notorious Transkei Security Branch (SB), who is charged with the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo, has been postponed to 27 July to allow for the appointment and availability of a new presiding judge.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Eastern Cape regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Division Judge Buyiswa Majiki agreed to recuse herself after the defence raised concerns on behalf of the accused, Gcinisiko Dandala (68).
“The defence argued that Judge Majiki had been a student activist at the University of Transkei (Unitra) and had participated in protests calling for the arrest of those responsible for Ndondo’s murder,” he said. “Ndondo was also a student activist at the institution at the time.”
Addressing the Mthatha High Court, sitting in Cacadu, Judge Majiki indicated that she had arranged for another judicial officer to preside over the matter in order to avoid delays arising from a potentially protracted recusal application.
“The matter has been enrolled until 31 July 2026,” Tyali said.
He added that the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided that the case be heard at the Cacadu Circuit Court to ensure greater accessibility for members of the public from surrounding communities.
“The murder of Ndondo on 24 September 1985 remains one of the unresolved cases involving anti-apartheid activists who died at the hands of the apartheid authorities,” Tyali said.
He added that Dandala previously applied for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), but his application was refused.
“In his amnesty application, he claimed that Ndondo was shot and killed because they feared being killed by Askaris if they failed to carry out the act,” said Tyali.
The NPA added in its statement that it hopes, should a conviction be secured, the proceedings will provide long-awaited closure to the victim’s family and contribute to ongoing efforts to address unresolved crimes committed during the apartheid era.
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