Apartheid Litigation - Plaintiffs' Personal StoriesKhulumani Support Group ("Khulumani") is a South African organization with its national headquarters located in Johannesburg. Khulumani means "Speak Out" in Zulu. The organization works to assist victims of apartheid-era violence and has 32,700 members who are survivors of such violence. Through victim empowerment and direct aid, Khulumani supports victims in their struggle for personal and community reconciliation, thereby restoring their dignity and integrating them into mainstream society. Initially, Khulumani was created as a subsidiary of South Africa's Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation ("CSVR"), but is now an autonomous organization with an eight-member full-time staff. The staff works both in the national office and within all nine provinces. Over half of the staff are survivors of apartheid-era violence. Additionally, Khulumani has an active eight-member board, whose members represent various human rights groups including CSVR. Khulumani operates over 70 community-based chapters in all nine of South Africa's provinces. Khulumani was established in 1995 by the survivors and families of the victims of the political violence that occurred during the apartheid era. Khulumani was first formed in response to the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ("TRC"). Its primary purpose was to ensure that the victims had the support they needed in order to speak out about their personal experiences with the human rights atrocities that were committed during the apartheid regime. Throughout the TRC process, Khulumani helped victims obtain and fill out applications and appeals, coordinated meetings with TRC officials, provided individual and group counseling for victims throughout their testimonies in order to utilize the official process of truth telling for survivors to reclaim their victimization and their dignity. Khulumani also represented the victims before the government in order to give them a voice throughout the creation and implementation of the TRC. In addition to working alongside the TRC process, Khulumani began to create innovative programs to broaden the victim's personal reconciliation processes beyond the scope of the TRC. Once the TRC stopped taking statements in 1998, these programs became the main focus of Khulumani's work and have continued to drive the organization. For example, Khulumani provides direct medical assistance to victims and their families, educational assistance to children, and equipment, such as wheelchairs, to injured victims. Khulumani's counseling sessions give victims the opportunity to gain support and draw strength through shared experiences. Khulumani also gives referrals to individuals in need of additional psychological care. Khulumani's facilitators and staff receive psychological training. Khulumani also supports many of the families of the disappeared by offering special counseling groups and seminars in conjunction with CSVR's Disappearances Project. A. Victims of Extrajudicial Killings The following plaintiffs are personal representatives of victims of extrajudicial killings. Sakwe Balintulo's brother Saba Balintulo, was murdered by the South African Police on March 15, 1973. On that day, Mr. Balintulo and fifteen friends were walking in the road, when the SAP opened fire on them. Mr. Balintulo was first shot in the leg and then shot three more times in the torso. The gun shots killed Mr. Balintulo as well as his fifteen friends. Fanekaya Dabula is the father of Lungile Dabula, who was slain by the South African Police in March 1986. At that time, the Witdoeke, a vigilante group supported by the SAP, was burning down houses in the Crossroads Squatter Camp outside of Cape Town. Mr. Dabula was in a crowd of people that was running away from the burning buildings. While Mr. Dabula was running, he was fatally shot in the back. Nokitsikaye Violet Dakuse is the sister of Tozi Skweyiya, who was murdered by the South African Police on March 2, 1985. He was playing with his friends at the corner of the street on which he lived. Six soldiers and police officers arrived and Mr. Skweyiya and his friends ran. Mr. Skweyiya entered the house of Zaphukibe Jacobs. The police followed and shot Mr. Skweyiya three times in front of Mr. Jacobs and his wife. The police and soldiers then brought Mr. Skweyiya's body out of the house, where they shot him further. A van arrived and took Mr. Skweyiya's body away. Ms. Dakuse and her mother were present when this happened and cried out to the police, who threatened to shoot them too. The following day, Ms. Dakuse and her mother went to the police station to recover the body. The body had been stripped of all clothing. No investigation was made and no charges were ever brought against the perpetrators. Berlina Duda is the wife of Donald Duda who was murdered by the South African Police on May 17, 1986. The police shot and killed Mr. Duda during a period of civil unrest. After her husband was shot, the South African Police (SAP) teargassed Ms. Duda. She was also detained and beaten by the police. Ms. Duda continues to suffer from her husband's death. Mr. Duda was the primary source of income for his wife and four children. Ms. Duda continues to suffer from the physical and mental trauma of Mr. Duda's death and the torture inflicted upon her. Mark Fransch is the brother of Anton Fransch, who was murdered by the South African Police and the South African Defense Force in September 1989, when he was 20 years old. Mr. Fransch was a member of the ANC who was staying at a house on Church Street in Crawford. SAP and South African Defense Force (SADF) officers said that Mr. Fransch was a "dog" and that they would kill him. Thirty to forty officers, some of whom arrived in a Caspir vehicle, repeatedly shot into the house, ripping apart Mr. Fransch's arm and leaving pieces of his flesh and hair on the wall. An inquest into Mr. Fransch's death did not result in any findings. Sherif Mzwandile Gekiso is the son of Ntombizodwa Annestina Nyongwana, who was murdered by the South African Police on March 5, 1986. Ms. Nyongwana and the six other individuals murdered with her have become known as the Guguletu 7. The police gave no explanation for the massacre and no one was ever prosecuted for the deaths. Witnesses to the massacre refused to speak for fear of being arrested and/or detained. Elsi Guga is the mother of James Guga, who was slain by the Security Police in 1985. The shooting occurred while activists were singing freedom songs and marching in the streets. The Security Police shot Mr. Guga, 19, while he was running from the gunfire. Joyce Hlophe is the mother of Jeffrey Hlophe, who is known as one of the KwaNdebele 9, nine young men who were executed in July 1986. Mr. Mamasela drove the young men to a house in Vlaklaagte in the KwaNdebele homeland and lined them up against a wall. The security police then entered the room and executed them. The police then doused the young men's bodies with gasoline and burned them in order to destroy the evidence. Nomvula Eunice Kama is the sister of Mncedisi Dlokova, who was murdered by the South African Security Police. On March 21, 1985, Mr. Dlokova was shot while participating in a march held in Uitenhage. Ms. Kama and her family could not attend her brother's funeral for fear that they would lose their homes. Joyce Ledwaba is the mother of Samuel Ledwaba, who is known as one of the KwaNdebele 9. Former Vlakplaas policeman Joe Mamasela lured the young men to their deaths under the pretense they were going to get military training. Mr. Mamasela drove the young men to a house in Vlaklaagte in the KwaNdebele homeland and lined them up against a wall. The security police then entered the room and executed them. The police then doused the young men's bodies with gasoline and burned them in order to destroy the evidence. Johana Lerutla is the mother of Matthews Lerutla, who was murdered by the South African Police outside Mamelodi in July 1986. Mr. Lerutla, 15 at the time of his murder, was a student and member of the Congress of South African Students. Joe Mamasela, a Police spy, lured Mr. Lerutla to his death under the pretense that Mr. Mamasela would take Mr. Lerutla and his friends to Botswana to join the ANC for military training. Instead Mr. Mamasela led them to their execution at Nietverdiend, a location five kilometers north of Piennar's River near the Botswana border. Mr. Lerutla and his friends were interrogated, kicked, beaten, and strangled with wire by members of the SAP. To conceal the evidence, Mr. Lerutla's body was blown up using a landmine. Frieda Z. Lukhulei is the mother of Tokkie Lukhulei. Mr. Lukhulei was detained during the June 16, 1976 riots. He was last seen at the Silverton Police Station, where he was being beaten and tortured. Family and friends have spent the last twenty-six years searching for Mr. Lukhulei, visiting police stations but have yet to find out what happened to him. His mother has not seen or heard from him since June 21, 1976. Elizabeth Maake is the mother of Jackson Maake, who was murdered by the South African Police. The SAP first abducted Mr. Maake, who was working for them as a spy in the ANC, and took him to a deserted property owned by the Pretoria Portland Cement Mine. He was accused of being a double agent, which he denied. He gave Andrew Makupe's name as his MK contact (The MK - Mkhonto Wesizwe - was the military wing of the ANC). Mr. Makupe was then abducted, followed by Harold Sefolo. During the torture of Mr. Sefolo, Mr. Maake was shocked to death in front of Mr. Sefolo and Mr. Makupe. Ms. Maake did not learn of her son's fate until it was published in the City Press Sunday. Archington Madondo is the father of Mandla Madondo, who was murdered by the South African Defence Force on July 10, 1986. Mr. Madondo was sent by his father to buy some bread. While he was standing with friends outside the shop, he was shot to death by South African soldiers who were driving down the street in a Caspir vehicle. Mr. Madondo was just 16 years old when he died. His twin brother, Thamsanqa, was arrested shortly after Mr. Madondo's murder and imprisoned for one year without a trial. Sophie Maifadi is the mother of Benjamin Maifadi, who is known as one of the KwaNdebele 9, nine young men who were executed in July 1986. Former Vlakplaas policeman Joe Mamasela lured the young men to their deaths under the pretense they were going to get military training. Mr. Mamasela drove the young men to a house in Vlaklaagte in the KwaNdebele homeland and lined them up against a wall. The security police then entered the room and executed them. The police then doused the young men's bodies with gasoline and burned them in order to destroy the evidence. Tshemi Makedama is the sister of Lugile Makedama, who was murdered at the De Aar Police Station in October 1985. Mabel Makupe is the wife of Andrew Makupe, who was murdered, along with Jackson Maake and Harold Sefolo, by the South African Security Police in June 1986. Mr. Makupe was a courier for the ANC. The SAP abducted Mr. Makupe, took him to the Pretoria Portland Cement Mine and interrogated him. During the interrogation, Mr. Makupe told the SAP about Mr. Sefolo. Mr. Makupe was then forced to call Mr. Sefolo in Witbank, telling him that he would be picked up by some ANC comrades that night. That night two SAP spies abducted Mr. Sefolo. In order to force Mr. Sefolo to provide more information, they shocked Mr. Maake to death right in front of him. Shortly thereafter, both Mr. Makupe and Mr. Sefolo were shocked to death. Mabel Malobola is the mother of Malobola Mbuso, who is known as one of the KwaNdebele 9, nine young men who were executed in July 1986. Former Vlakplaas policeman Joe Mamasela lured the young men to their deaths under the pretense they were going to get military training. Mr. Mamasela drove the young men to a house in Vlaklaagte in the KwaNdebele homeland and lined them up against a wall. The security police then entered the room and executed them. The police then doused the young men's bodies with gasoline and burned them in order to destroy the evidence. Evelyn Matiso is the mother of Pitsi Matiso, who was murdered by the police in July 1986. While Mr. Matiso and a group of his friends were playing soccer, a policeman singled out Mr. Matiso and began to chase him. The policeman chased Mr. Matiso out of the area where he was playing and shot him. Betty Mgidi is the mother of Jeffrey Mgidi, who was shot to death by the South African Police in 1984. After Mr. Mgidi's death, his family was under constant surveillance by the SAP. The police banned all speeches at Mr. Magidi's funeral and prevented his family from giving him a proper burial. Elizabeth Mkhonwana is the sister of Obed Mkhonwana, who is known as one of the KwaNdebele 9, nine young men who were executed in July 1986. Former Vlakplaas policeman Joe Mamasela lured the young men to their deaths under the pretense they were going to get military training. Mr. Mamasela drove the young men to a house in Vlaklaagte in the KwaNdebele homeland and lined them up against a wall. The security police then entered the room and executed them. The police then doused the young men's bodies with gasoline and burned them in order to destroy the evidence. Catherine Mlangeni is the mother of Bheki Mlangeni, who was murdered by a parcel bomb on February 15, 1991. The bomb was planted by Colonel Eugene de Kock of the Security Branch of the South African Police. Mr. Mlangeni received a package at his office, opened it, and discovered that it was a walkman. Leaving the box at his office, he took the walkman home that night to try it out. Mr. Mlangeni did not know that a bomb had been planted in the earphones. When he turned the walkman on, the bomb exploded, and Mr. Mlangeni's head was blown off in front of his family, killing him instantly. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted his killers amnesty. Cecil Mlanjeni's brother, Kele Mlanjeni, was slain by the South African Police on November 29, 1985. On that day, the police burst into Mr. Mlanjeni's home and attacked all those present. People started fleeing the home to avoid the SAP. As Mr. Mlanjeni was trying to flee, the police shot him in the back of the head. He died instantly. Samuel Morudu is the grandfather of Sannah P. Leslie, who was murdered in a firebomb attack in February 1987. Ms. Morudu was born on December 19, 1974 at Hetzogville in the Orange Free State. In 1980, Ms. Morudu moved to Mamelodi to live with her uncle and attend school. Ms. Morudu's uncle, Moss Morudu was a member of the Mamelodi Civic Association and was targeted by the South African Police. During the early morning hours of February 20, 1987, four bombs were thrown into the bedroom where Ms. Morudu slept with her four cousins. All the children suffered at least third degree burns. Ms. Morudu was rushed to Kalafong Hospital, but she could not be saved. Ms. Morudu died on February 25, 1987, from the burns she sustained. Tshidiso Motasi is the son of John and Penelope Moloke, who were murdered in their beds by the South African Police. Mr. Motasi was only 5 years old at the time. Three members of the SAP stormed into his home at 10pm and shot his father. His mother, who witnessed the slaying and saw the face of one of the killers, was shot in order to protect the identity of the killers. The police did not detect Mr. Motasi. Not knowing what to do, Mr. Motasi spent the night alone, crying, with the bodies of his murdered parents. Neighbors, who heard his cry the following morning and came to investigate, found Mr. Motasi with his parents' bodies. John Miles chronicles Mr. Motasi's story in the book Deafening Silence. Willie Nelani is the father of Mongezi Nelani, who was murdered by South African security police on April 1, 1987. The police shot Mr. Nelani and three of his friends because they were political activists. Catherine Ngqulunga is the wife of Brian Ngqulunga, who was murdered by the South African Police on July 19, 1990. Mr. Ngqulunga had worked for the SAP, but had recently left his position and was in contact with the ANC. His former colleagues kidnapped him, then beat, stabbed and chopped his body to pieces. Catherine Phiri is the sister of Thomas Phiri, who was one of ten young men murdered by the security police in June 1986. The ten young men disappeared from their homes on June 26, 1986. Joe Mamasela, a police spy, lured the young men to their deaths. Mr. Mamasela told young men they were going to Botswana to join the ANC for military training. Instead, Mr. Mamasela led the young men to Nietverdiend where the security police and military were waiting. The security police and military packed the ten helpless young men into a minivan filled with explosives and blew them up. Elizabeth Sefolo is the wife of Harold Sefolo, who was murdered by the South African Police. Mr. Sefolo was abducted in June of 1986 along with Jackson Maake and Andrew Makupe. Mr. Sefolo was interrogated and tortured. A knife was forced in his nose to coerce him to provide information regarding the ANC. Mr. Sefolo begged for his life. The police then shocked Mr. Maake and Mr. Makupe to death before Mr. Sefolo. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Sefolo was shocked to death. The police then took the bodies to a minibus, which was then placed over a landmine, which was detonated. This was done to create the impression that they had blown themselves up. Ms. Sefolo learned of her husband's fate in a newspaper article in the City Press Sunday. Maria Sibaya is the mother of Jeffrey Sibaya, who was murdered by South African Police outside Mamelodi in July 1986. Mr. Sibaya, 17 at the time of is death, was a member the ANC and the Congress of South African Students. The SAP approached him about becoming an informant. After Mr. Sibaya refused, Joe Mamasela, a SAP spy, lured Mr. Sibaya to his death. Mr. Mamasela told Mr. Sibaya and his friends that he was going to take them to Botswana to join the ANC for military training. Instead Mamasela led them to their execution at Nietverdiend, a location five kilometers north of Piennar's River near the Botswana border. Mr. Sibaya and his friends were interrogated, kicked, beaten, and strangled with wire by members of the SAP. To conceal the evidence, Mr. Sibaya's body was blown up using a landmine. Patricial M. Songo is the mother of Dipulo Songo, who was murdered during the Mamelodi Massacre on November 21, 1985. Ms. Songo was a 16 year old student. She was attending a gathering that was to present the then mayor with a memorandum concerning the high cost of rentals in Mamelodi. The South African Police and South African Defense Force opened fire on the crowd, shooting even those who ran away. No one has ever been prosecuted or called to account for the massacre. Mpolontsi Tyote is the father of Boyboy Tyote, who was murdered by the South African Police on November 11, 1991. While Mr. Tyote and his friends were holding a meeting, the SAP appeared and started firing at them. Mr. Tyote was shot dead. B. Victims of Torture The following plaintiffs are victims of torture. Nomkhango Phumza Skolweni Dyantyi was tortured by the South African Police in 1983. The police detained Ms. Dyantyi and took her to the Maitland Police Station, where they tortured her for three weeks. The SAP shot Ms. Dyantyi in the legs, where bullet fragments still remain. The SAP repeatedly beat Ms. Dyantyi on her head. She lost most of her eyesight as a result of the torture inflicted by the SAP and was left with a large scar on her head and face. Clifford Zixelile Fudukile was shot and repeatedly tortured by the South African Police beginning in 1982. As a result of the shooting, Mr. Fudukile was paralyzed. He can no longer work and still suffers from his injuries. Windovoel Gaaje was detained on June 9, 1986. During his imprisonment, he was tortured and beaten by the South African Police in Hoffmeyer prison. On June 9, 1987, Mr. Gaaje was released; however, he was detained again in 1990 and sent to Henneman Prison for months, before being transferred to Bloemfotein Prison. Mr. Gaaje continues to suffer from the torture. Charles Hlatshwayo, a member of the ANC, was beaten and tortured by the Bophuthatswana police in 1990. A police informer, pretending to work for the ANC, lured Mr. Hlatshwayo and his colleagues into a police trap. The police then tortured Mr. Hlatshwayo. They handcuffed him, beat him unconscious, and poured cold water over him to revive him. Then the police inserted electric wires into Mr. Hlatshwayo's penis and shocked him until he passed out. The police also choked Mr. Hlatshwayo with a rubber tube. The police tortured Mr. Hlatshwayo for three weeks, until he was placed in detention. Mr. Hlatshwayo urinated blood for six months following his torture. The electrical shock caused severe damage to Mr. Hlatshwayo's spine and vocal cords. He is now confined to a wheelchair and cannot talk. Moses Hlongwane was detained under the State of Emergency on June 17, 1986. He was released in May 13, 1987. In August 1990, Mr. Hlongwane was detained by the Bophuthatswana Defense Force when he was trying to flee to Botswana. He spent two weeks at Matikeng Police Station under hard conditions. He was then sent to Virginia Police Station where he was tortured for one week and released. Even after his release, the police continued to harass Mr. Hlongwane. Mr. Hlongwane continues to suffer from the torture. Lesiba Kekana was unlawfully arrested and detained without trial from June 1986 to February 1987. During his detention, he was tortured. Mr. Kekana continues to suffer from the torture. Sanaki Mahlatsi was detained on June 12, 1986 under the State of Emergency. During his detention the South African Police tortured, harassed and beat him. After three months at the Bothaville Police Station Mr. Mahlatsi was transferred to the Kroonstad Prison where his torture continued. He was placed in solitary confinement for five months prior to his release in June 1987. Robert Makana was detained in September 1986 under the State of Emergency. During his detention he was beaten and tortured. After spending three months at St. Albans Prison, Mr. Markana was transferred to Steyn Prison. He was released in May 1987. Mr. Markana was also detained in July 1985 for one month. Because of his imprisonment, Mr. Markana lost his job. Mr. Markana continues to suffer from the torture. Zakharia Fikile Mamba was tortured repeatedly by South African Security Police. After Mr. Mamba became politically active in 1984, the SAP began tracking him. He went into hiding, only emerging in March 1986 to participate in school protests. After the protests, Mr. Mamba went back into hiding. He was found by the SAP and taken to the Bothaville police station. There, Mr. Mamba was interrogated. Mr. Mamba was transferred to Wesselsbronx police station where his torture began. While Mr. Mamba was being interrogated two police officers handcuffed and repeatedly punched and kicked him. The police tortured Mr. Mama again three weeks later, handcuffing him and beating him. However, this time they placed a metal hat-like device on his head and electrocuted him. The security police also poured water on his head while he was being electrocuted. Mr. Mamba passed out but the beating continued. In addition to the torture, Mr. Mamba was not allowed to bathe. On July 10, 1987, Mr. Mamba was released. But the torture did not stop. Twice a month, every month, through 1990, the security police picked up Mr. Mamba, took him to the Bothaville police station, and interrogated and tortured him. On January 5, 1990, at approximately two o'clock in the morning, the SAP entered Mr. Mamba's home and took him to Kgotsong police station where they beat him, electrocuted him and tortured him for four hours. In September 1990, because of constant police harassment, Mr. Mamba went back into hiding. On New Year's Day 1991, the local police found Mr. Mamba and subsequently kicked and punched him. Mr. Mamba was hospitalized. On February 11, 1991, tired of the constant police harassment, Mr. Mamba decided to leave the country. However, the security police detained Mr. Mamba. They beat and tortured Mr. Mamba and again he was hospitalized. Mr. Mamba continues to suffer from the torture. Elliot Sithembiso Marenene was tortured by the South African Police at the Gugulethu Police Station in June 1985. The SAP placed an electrical instrument on his fingers and shocked him. The SAP then beat Mr. Marenene all over his body, breaking his arm in the process. The SAP also deprived Mr. Marenene of food and water during his detention. Mr. Marenene still suffers from the torture. Alfred Masemola was imprisoned on Robben Island from August 11, 1985 to 1990. During his imprisonment, the police beat Mr. Masemola, breaking his arm on one occasion. Mr. Masemola spent one year in solitary confinement without treatment for his broken arm. The police also shot Mr. Masemola. He still has bullet fragments lodged in his head that cause severe headaches. The bullet fragments cannot be removed. Mr. Masemola continues to suffer from the torture. Maureen Thandi Mazibuko was beaten and tortured by the South African Police in 1977. The SAP detained Ms. Mazibuko on March 23. She was taken to the Gugulethu police station. The SAP started to interrogate her but they were unable to glean any pertinent information. She was then taken to a stone building in Cape Town. As Ms. Mazibuko entered the building she could hear people crying. A member of the SAP forced Ms. Mazibuko into a dentist chair. He then threw acid on her head. The initial shock from having the acid thrown on her paralyzed Ms. Mazibuko. As she tried to wipe the acid off, large clumps of her hair began to fall. The officer punched her repeatedly, stripped her naked, and subjected Ms. Mazibuko to psychological abuse. The torture lasted for 10 hours. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Mazibuko passed out. She was then taken to Wynberg Prison where she was put into a cell with children. There were no toilets and no fresh water. The SAP sent a social worker to Ms. Mazibuko's cell to tell her she was going to prison for 13 or 14 years. Ms. Mazibuko still suffers physically and mentally as a result of the torture. She was disfigured by the acid and developed Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). As a result of her PTSD, Ms. Mazibuko is plagued by nightmares, insomnia, paranoia, memory loss, paralyzing fear, dissociation, and feelings of hopelessness. Micheal Mbele, born on October 31, 1944, was politically active in a union as a shop steward and was also a United Democratic Front member. Because of Mr. Mbele's political activities the Special Security Police detained and tortured Mr. Mbele in 1986. For three straight days police beat and shocked Mr. Mbele with electric pipes, then choked him with a rubber tire. As a result of his torture Mr. Mbele lost his hearing. Mr. Mbele's suffering continued for eleven more months as police placed him in solitary confinement. Mr. Mbele's continues to suffer from the torture. Laetitia Nombambo Mfecane is the daughter of Rubin Mfecane who was repeatedly detained and tortured by the South African Police. In 1960, the SAP came to Mr. Mfecane's home and beat him. He was then taken to Sidnum Port Elizabeth Prison. For three months, he was tortured. He was severely beaten and electrocuted. As a result of his torture, he suffered from psychotic episodes. In 1964, the SAP detained Mr. Mfecane again and sentenced him to four and a half years at Robben Island. In addition to the psychotic episodes, Mr. Mfecane suffered severe pain as a result of the torture. Due to his detention, Mr. Mfecane lost his job and his house. For twenty years Mr. Mfecane and his family had no stable home. Mr. Mfecane was eventually admitted to Butterworth Hospital in 1983 because of his psychotic episodes. He died there in May of 1983. Dennis Mlandeli was detained during a political uprising in 1977. During his detention, Mr. Mlandeli was severely beaten, punched, and kicked. Subsequently, Mr. Mlandeli was transferred to another facility and no one was allowed to visit him. Mr. Mlandeli continues to suffer from the torture. Tefo Mofokeng was detained by South African Security Police while attempting to attend training with the ANC in Botswana. During his detention at Mmabotho prison, Mr. Mofokeng was tortured. He was transferred to Virginia prison in June 1990 where his torture continued until his release. Mr. Mofokeng continues to suffer from the torture. Motlaletsatsi Molatedi was detained in June 1986 under the State of Emergency. During her imprisonment, the South African Police tortured and interrogated Ms. Molatedi. Ms. Molatedi spent a total of nine months at the Allanridge Police Station and Kroonstad Prison. She continues to suffer from the physical and mental effects of the torture, including hearing loss and depression. Azariel Molebeleli was first detained in 1985 after the riots at the Mophate Secondary School. The Security Police went to Mr. Molebeleli's home at two o'clock in the morning and sent him to Klenksdorp prison. He was detained there for seven days. After his release, Mr. Molebeleli returned to school. Soon after he returned, Mr. Molebeleli was expelled from school. He was detained again in June 1986 under the State of Emergency. He was sent to Wesselsbrook Police station for a month, then transferred to Kroonstad Prison where he spent a year. In 1991, Mr. Molebeleli decided to leave the country and go to Botswana. Unfortunately, he was caught by the security police and imprisoned at Mega City Police Station, where he was tortured. Two weeks later he was transferred to Virgina Police Station. He remained at Virgina Police Station for only seven days, until he was released. Mr. Molebeleli continues to suffer from the torture. Simon Molotsi was detained on June 12, 1986 under the State of Emergency. During his detention, Mr. Molotsi was assaulted and subjected to electric shocks. On August 29, 1986, Mr. Molotsi was transferred to Kroonstad Prison, where the torture continued. Mr. Molotsi was released in 1987. After his release, the police continued to harass Mr. Molotsi by performing random searches of his home. Mr. Molotsi continues to suffer as the result of the torture. Lina Moreane is the mother of Albert Xaba. Mr. Xaba was arrested for a petty crime. While in prison, he was beaten on the head and sprayed with tear gas. The beatings caused Mr. Xaba to go blind, become mute, and lose the use of his legs. Mr. Xaba was confined to bed for the rest of his life. In addition, the beatings caused a blood clot in Mr. Xaba's brain. Mr. Xaba eventually died from the brain damage caused by the beatings. Thabiso Samuel Motsie was detained on December 23, 1986 under the State of Emergency. During his imprisonment, the police tortured him. He was beaten, kicked, assaulted and harassed. After three weeks at the Bothaville Police Station, he was transferred to Kroonstad Prison, where the torture continued. Mr. Motsie was released on April 27, 1987, but, the police continued to harass him. Mr. Motsie received no medical treatment for his wounds while in prison. Sonto Ndlovu was detained on October 31, 1987 for alleged sabotage. On that day, Ms. Ndlovu's cousin, Peter Dlamini, visited her at work. Her cousin had a limpet mine with him that detonated and caused injuries. Her cousin went into exile, but Ms. Ndlovu was charged with sabotage and arrested. During her detention, Ms. Ndlovu was tortured. The police severely beat Ms. Ndlovu, causing a loss of hearing in her left ear. As a result of the torture, Ms. Ndlovu can no longer bear children. Ms. Ndlovu continues to suffer from the torture. Mangindiva Robert Rhenene was tortured by the SAP in 1984. The SAP detained Mr. Rhenene at the Goodwood Police station before transferring him to Pollsmore. At Pollsmore, the SAP placed a black bag over Mr. Rhenene's head and electrocuted him through his hands and feet. Mr. Rhenene continues to suffer from the torture. Thobile Sikani was detained, tortured, and shot by the South African Police. The police shot Mr. Sikani, in 1983, while he was attending a the funeral for four of his friends. Without warning, the SAP opened fire on the funeral procession. Mr. Sikani was carrying the coffin of one of his friends, when he was shot in the left leg by the SAP. In 1986, the SAP detained Mr. Sikani at the Bishop Lewis Police Station. There, seven officers forced Mr. Sikani to lay flat on his back on the ground. The SAP officers then stood on Mr. Sikani's chest and began beating him with their fists and batons. He attempted to cover his body, but his efforts were futile. The beating continued for ten hours. After the beating stopped, blood poured from Mr. Sikani's nose and he sustained serious injuries that left scars and marks all over his body and face. He was then taken to a separate room where his torture continued. One of the officers brought in a machine and placed Mr. Sikani's scrotum and testicles inside. The machine caused excruciating pain to Mr. Sikani's genital area and Mr. Sikani passed out. When he regained consciousness, he found himself handcuffed and covered in blood with a black bag over his face. Later, the SAP transferred Mr. Sikani to Bellville-South Police Station, where his torture continued. At Bellville, an SAP officer inserted needles under Mr. Sikani's finger nails to coerce Mr. Sikani into talking about the ANC, but Mr. Sikani refused. He was then taken to the head to the intelligence unit and further tortured. Finally, three policemen washed the blood from Mr. Sikani's body and took a photo of him. Mr. Sikani was then taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. After his treatment, the SAP took him back to the Wynberg Police Station where he was further detained. Mr. Sikani still suffers from the torture. Bubele Stefane was shot by the South African Police on February 2, 1992. He was shot in the right arm and right thigh. After shooting Mr. Stefane, the SAP beat and kicked him repeatedly. He was then taken to the Guguletu Police Station. There, the SAP placed an electrical instrument on Mr. Stefane's penis and electrocuted him. Mr. Stefane still suffers from the torture. C. Victims of Indiscriminate Shootings The following plaintiffs are victims of indiscriminate shootings Noluthando Biletile was shot in the leg by South African Police in September 1992 while she lay in her bed asleep. She was hit in the lower right leg. As a result, she has lost feeling in her right leg and cannot work on her feet for extended periods. She still suffers from the shooting. Leslie Mncedisi Botya was shot by the South African Police. The SAP shot Mr. Botya in the arm, where the bullet remains lodged. Doctors inserted a plate into his arm to strengthen it but Mr. Botya was left with only limited use of his right arm. Mr. Botya has not been able to work and is unable to support his family. He continues to suffer from the shooting. Leon Dukashe was shot in the back by the SAP in 1989 in an informal settlement near Cape Town. Mr. Dukashe's friends attempted to remove the bullet from his back with a knife, because people with gunshot wounds related to civil unrest were often arrested by the SAP at clinics and hospitals. Mr. Dukashe is disabled, is not able to work and suffers acute pain as a result of the shooting. Mr. Dukashe relies on a crutch to walk and must where a brace. He still suffers from the shooting. Elsie Gishi was shot by the South African Police on December 26, 1976. On that day, as Ms. Gishi returned from work, she found the youth in the township holding a demonstration. Soon, the SAP arrived in their vans and started shooting. The officers kicked in the door of her house and rushed in. Ms. Gishi was shot in the back six times. The bullets entered her back and remain lodged in her chest and arms. One bullet lodged in her throat. Another bullet is lodged inside a bone in her left arm and as a result, she can no longer lift her left arm and the entire left side of her body is lame. She can no longer bathe herself or do other washing. The three remaining bullets cause her respiratory dysfunction and kidney problems. Ms. Gishi is permanently disabled and continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Dorthia Gomo-Pefile was shot by security police with pellets as they rushed into her mother's house. She continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Zamikhaya Bishop Khali was shot by the South African Police on April 11, 1990. The SAP shot Mr. Kali in the back as he stood outside of James Trading Store. Doctors at St. Lucy's Hospital removed a bullet from Mr. Khali's lower back. Mr. Khali continues to suffer from the shooting. He must use crutches to walk, still goes to the hospital for therapy, and continues to have back pain. He needs constant medical attention and has problems with his bladder. James Magabana was shot by the South African Police in 1985. Afterwards he was sentenced to five years in prison. He continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Nosipho Manquba was shot by the South African Police when he was just eight years old. While searching for his mother near the KTC Church, at the squatter camp near Cape Town, the police shot at him. He was hit in the leg with rubber bullets. Mr. Manquba still suffers from the shooting. Notathu Eugenia Matomela was shot by the South African Police in 1984. In March/April of that year, while Ms. Matomela was staying in Nyanga Bush, the SAP arrived to remove the houses and forcibly relocate Ms. Matomela, her family and others staying in the settlement. People then started to emerge from their homes, but the SAP asked everyone to remain inside. Ms. Matomela remained inside. As the people outside were trying to persuade the police not to demolish their homes, the police started shooting. Suddenly, Ms. Matomela felt a burning sensation in her stomach. She looked down and realized she was shot. As she sat down in her home, she was overcome by tear gas. Ms. Matomela then realized that the SAP was shooting rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Ms. Matomela was then taken to the hospital for treatment. She continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Nomisa Theresia May was shot by the South African Police on May 20, 1986. At that time, the Witdoeke, a vigilante group supported by the SAP, were burning people's houses. Ms. May was part of a crowd of people gathered in a street in Nyanga. Without warning, the SAP began shooting into the crowd. It was then, as people were fleeing, that Ms. May was shot. The bullet fractured her skull, leaving her paralyzed. Ms. May's speech has been seriously impaired and she cannot care for herself. She continues to suffer from the shooting. Mbongeni Nelson Mbeshu was shot by the SAP when he was just twelve years old. One day in 1985, as Mr. Mbeshu was returning from school, he walked into a riot. As he turned to flee the police, he was shot in the back by the police. The pellets remained lodged in his back until a local man removed them. In addition, a pellet remains lodged in Mr. Mbeshu's head. Mr. Mbeshu still suffers from the shooting. Mzuhlangena Nama was shot in the leg by the South African Police while attending a commemoration march in 1982. The SAP indiscriminately fired into the crowd with live ammunition. Mr. Nama was shot in the leg while fleeing from the SAP. He was taken to Bishop Lavis Day Hospital where doctors removed a bullet from his leg. Mr. Nama remained in the hospital for four months. He continues to suffer from the shooting. Elias Ngamani is the husband of Elizabeth Ngamani. Mr. and Mrs. Ngamani were tear gassed by the SAP. One Monday morning, as the couple was inside their house, the SAP shot Mrs. Ngamani in the chest with a teargas canister. There was no way to take her to the hospital at the time of the incident; Mr. Ngamani had to wait three days before he was allowed to take his wife to the hospital. Mrs. Ngamani endured numerous chest problems and was repeatedly hospitalized for lung problems. She was unable to hold her char job and the family suffered without this income. She eventually died, in 1994, from complications related to her chest injury. Geshia Ngoxza was shot by the South African Police in 1976 while he was on his way to the store. His hand and lower legs were wounded but the SAP offered him no medical assistance. As a result, he had to personally remove six bullet fragments from his hand. Mr. Ngoxza was also shot in the back of the legs, breaking his kneecaps. He did not go to the hospital because he thought he would be arrested since the hospital was required to report all gun shot wounds to the SAP. Mr. Ngoxza continues to suffer from the shooting. He walks with a cane and takes painkillers daily to alleviate his physical suffering. In addition, Mr. Ngoxza was unable to perform his job effectively because of the injuries to his knees. He was considered unfit to continue working and has since been unable to keep a job for an extended period. Thus, Mr. Ngoxza can no longer support his family. Lucas Ndukwayibuzwa Ngwenyana was shot in the back by South African Police in 1976. Mr. Ngwenyana encountered a crowd of people while on his way home from school. He was unaware of what was happening, but soon realized that the crowd was running from the police. The crowd overtook Mr. Ngwenyana and the police forced him to the ground. Realizing he was in serious danger, Mr. Ngwenyana got up and started to run in the direction of the fleeing crowd. As he was running away, the SAP shot him in the back. He was then taken to Tygerberg Hospital where he remained for two weeks. Mr. Ngwenyana still suffers physical and mental trauma from the shooting. Wellington Mtyukato Nkosiphendule was shot by the South African Police in November 1993. The SAP ordered the funeral gathering that Mr. Nkosiphendule was attending to disperse. Without warning, the SAP opened fire on the crowd because the parties attending the funeral did not disperse as promptly as the SAP would have liked. Mr. Nkosiphendule was shot in his head and in the left arm. Mr. Nkosiphendule was taken to Tembisa Hospital where he remained for several months. Mr. Nkosiphendule still suffers from the shooting. Vuyani Nongcama was shot by the South African Police on November 15, 1976. He was hit in the right calf muscle with buck shot. Twenty-nine pellets remain lodged in his leg. Mr. Nongcama cannot walk for extended periods of time and is unable to work. Thus, he cannot provide for his wife and five children. Mr. Nongcama continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Sindiswa Mirriam Nunu was shot by the South African Police in 1976. Ms. Nunu was attending a meeting which was abruptly cancelled when the SAP arrived to suppress the gathering. On her way home with a group of friends, Ms. Nunu was chased by the SAP. When she reached her home, she was spotted by a SAP van. In a desperate attempt to reach the safety of her home, Ms. Nunu tried to dive over the fence in front of her home. As she was diving over the fence, she was shot in the leg. Fortunately, she fell in such a way that she was able to hide under a hedge near the fence. The police went into her house to search for her and ransacked her home during the search. Ms. Nunu managed to hide until the SAP left and was eventually taken to Conradie Hospital for treatment. She was treated outside of the hospital with the other wounded people. In 1988, Ms. Nunu was beaten by the police when she was eight months pregnant. The SAP detained Ms. Nunu after she attended a meeting in Grand Parade. She was taken to the police station with eight others. At the station, the SAP repeatedly punched, kicked, and struck Ms. Nunu with their batons despite her pregnancy. She then miscarried at the police station and lost her baby. She continues to suffer as a result of the shooting and the torture. Thulani Nunu was shot by the South African Police in 1985 when he was just six years old and living in the Nyanga Bush. The SAP was shooting at youth with tear gas and live ammunition. Panicked by all the shooting, Mr. Nunu ran out of his house. The crowd of people fleeing and the teargas fired by the SAP overwhelmed him. In the confusion, he was shot in the head and hand. As a result of his injuries, Mr. Nunu lost 60% of the use of his hand. Because of his head wound, Mr. Nunu has permanent visual and hearing impairment. He continues to suffer as the result of his injuries. Boniwe Phalaza was shot by the South African Police in 1994. Bullets hit her once below the breast and once under her arm. The police then burned her house. Ms. Phalaza still has scars from where the bullets entered her body. Ms. Phalaza also witnessed the SAP murder her son. She continues to suffer from the shooting and is tormented by the fact that she witnessed her son's murder. Pathiswa Pringane is the child of Mthozama Theophilus Pringane, who was shot by South African Police while attempting to prevent a state sponsored vigilante group, the Witdoeke, from entering his township. Mr. Pringane was part of a crowd that confronted the Witdoeke as they tried to enter the township. Suddenly, the SAP appeared and shot indiscriminately into the crowd. Mr. Pringane was struck by a bullet on his right side. The bullet remained lodged in his body. As a result of being shot, Mr. Pringane was paralyzed on his right side. Because of his paralysis, Mr. Pringane lost his job and felt "useless." Mr. Pringane died, on January 23, 1998, due to complications related to his gun shot wounds. Mthutuzeli Sikani was shot by the South African Police in 1988. Mr. Sikani was attending a youth meeting inside a hall. The SAP entered the hall and ordered all the youth out of the building. The crowd did not respond immediately, so the SAP started shooting. Mr. Sikani was shot in his right leg with a live round. He was then taken to the KTC clinic, where doctors removed the bullets. He had to endure physical therapy for three months and rely on crutches to walk. Today, Mr. Sikani walks with a limp and continues to suffer as the result of the shooting. Noluthando Siletile was shot in the leg by South African Police in September 1992 while she lay in her bed asleep. She was hit in the lower right leg. As a result, she has lost feeling in her right leg and cannot work on her feet for extended periods. She still suffers from the shooting. Thembeka Victoria Siphaho was shot by the South African Police in 1984. During March and April of that year, the South African Police were forcibly evicting people in her area. Ms. Siphaho pled with the SAP not to carry out the evictions. As Ms. Siphaho pled with the police, she was unaware of what was going on around her. Moments later, she felt herself collapsing to the ground. It was then that she realized the SAP had shot her under the knee on her right leg. As she lay on the ground, some people attempted to rescue her. But as the people were assisting her, the SAP fired tear gas and Ms. Siphaho's would be rescuers scattered. After the tear gas cloud subsided, people returned to assist her. Ms. Siphaho was hospitalized for over one month. She still suffers from the shooting. In addition, she was unable to work for a significant period of time to support herself and her children. Johannes Titus was shot by the South African army in September 1976. While walking in Hanover Park, army officers shot Mr. Titus. The bullet ripped open his stomach and part of his intestines fell into the street. Presumed dead, Mr. Titus was taken to the morgue in Salt River. There, they discovered his heart was still beating. He was then taken to Victoria Hospital and was placed under police guard. Mr. Titus endured eight operations to repair his stomach. While Mr. Titus was hospitalized, the SAP periodically seized him and detained him at Pollsmore Prison. After his last operation in 1986, the SAP took Mr. Titus and detained him at Victor Verster police station. Mr. Titus can no longer work because of his injuries. He suffers from chronic pain and the doctors can no longer help him. In fact, the surgeons indicated that if he has another surgery, he will die. Mr. Titus has plastic tubes in his stomach and can only eat soft foods for the rest of his life. He is married and has five small children who he is unable to support. He continues to suffer as the result of the shooting. Mpolontsi Tyote was tortured by the South African Police in 1984. In December of that year, Mr. Tyote saw the SAP and a huge crowd gathering at the Nyanga Police Station. Unaware of what was going on, Mr. Tyote approached the crowd. Suddenly, he saw people running, so he started running too. Without warning, the police began shooting into the dispersing crowd. Mr. Tyote was shot and fell to the ground. He was shot in the groin and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Mr. Tyote still suffers severe pain from his wound. Mthuzimele Melford Yamile was shot by the South African Police on January 26, 1982. The bullet entered his left shoulder and exited through his right shoulder. Mr. Yamile spent three weeks in the Conradie Hospital and immediately upon his discharge the SAP detained him. He was sent to Pollsmore Prison for one week, after which he posted bail and was released. The charges against Mr. Yamile were eventually dropped. Mr. Yamile continues to suffer as a result of the shooting. Ntunani William Zenani was shot by the South African Police in 1984. Mr. Zenani was living in the Nyanga Bush. The SAP arrived and began shooting indiscriminately. Mr. Zenani was shot in the stomach. He was hospitalized for 6 months and underwent long operations on both his chest and his stomach. Mr. Zenani still suffers from the shooting. He must wear colostomy bags, suffers severe pain, and suffers vomiting spells because of the permanent damage done to his stomach. D. Victims of Sexual Assault The following plaintiff is a victim of sexual assault. Thandiwe Shezi was tortured and raped by the Security Police. On September 8, 1988, the police stormed into Ms. Shezi's home, and beat and strangled her in front of her daughter. They then took Ms. Shezi to the Alexander Police Station where the torture began. She was handcuffed and a wet sack was tied over her head. She was then taken to a room where she was electrocuted for twenty minutes. Next she was raped repeatedly by four police officers. In addition to physical torture, the police also worked on Ms. Shezi psychologically. The police forced Ms. Shezi to watch as they smashed another prisoner's penis in a drawer. When the prisoner screamed out in pain they wanted Ms. Shezi to laugh. On one occasion, the police took Ms. Shezi outside, stripped her naked and tied her to a tree. They smeared her legs with butter, opened them wide, and threw ants all over her. The ants crawled into her vagina. On at least one occasion, while Ms. Shezi was being electrocuted, acid was poured over her head. Because of the torture, Ms. Shezi could not eat solid food for almost a month. She still suffers from the physical and mental effects of the torture and sexual assault. E. Victims of Arbitrary Detention The following plaintiffs are victims of arbitrary detention. Elias B. Boneng was detained during the State of Emergency in June 1986. Mr. Boneng was released in April 1987. At the time of Mr. Boneng's arrest he was attending school, and thus his education was disrupted. The police continued to harass Mr. Boneng after his release. Dennis Vincent Frederick Brutus was detained and shot by the SAP. The recipient of a doctoral degree and numerous honorary doctorates, in 1961 Dr. Brutus was banned from teaching, publishing poetry, and attending gatherings. In 1963, Dr. Brutus was arrested in Johannesburg while on his way to attend a meeting of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee, of which he was president. When released on bail, Dr. Brutus fled to Swaziland and Mozambique, was arrested by the Portugese secret police, and was turned over to the South African Police. In September 1963, Dr. Brutus attempted to escape but was shot through his back by the South African Secret Police. He was hospitalized in Fort Prison Hospital until December 1963. Dr. Brutus was sentenced to eighteen months hard labor in Leeurokop Prison in January 1964, was transferred to Robben Island Prison in March 1965, and in July 1965 was placed under house arrest until July 1966. Dr. Brutus, who has served on the faculties of the University of Denver, Northwestern University, and the University of Pittsburgh, has testified three times before UN committees on apartheid issues. Moraloki A. Kgobe was detained during the State of Emergency on June 1986. Ms. Kgobe was released in April 1987. Ms. Kgobe's detention disrupted her employment. After Ms. Kgobe's release, she was subjected to continuous police harassment. Reuben Mphela was imprisoned several times between 1976 and 1982 for failing to produce a passbook. On these occasions, the SAP came to arrest him at work. He was beaten, kicked, and made to jump like a frog. Mr. Mphela's family was traumatized by his imprisonment. Lulamile Ralrala was detained in September 1977 after returning from Steven Biko's funeral. He was sentenced to three years in prison for trying to overthrow the government and furthering the aims of the ANC. For more information, please contact us at lawinfo@cmht.com. |
