As part of implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha will officially handover the exhumed remains of Meshack Komsasa Nyathi to his family on Thursday, 9 April 2015 at Penge, Limpopo Province. Nyathi went into exile during the times of the apartheid regime and underwent military training as Umkhondo We Sizwe cadre.
He is one of five Umkhonto We Sizwe members who were killed in an ambush by members of the security forces near Alldays in Limpopo on 3 August 1988. He was shot dead along with Messrs Sechaba, Lawrence Lesimola, Sizakele Buzo (MK Perez Nomvelo), Fuzile Patrick Zigoxo (MK Marvin Kgasupane) and Thamsanqa Poto (MK Paul Ndzingwe).
The five deceased were all buried as unidentified paupers at Tshikota Cemetery in Louis Trichard/ Makhado. The remains of all five MK members of the 3 August 1988 tragedy were recovered by Missing Persons Task Team (MPTT) and were identified through the DNA.
The remains of Lesimola, Buzo and Zigoxo have already been handed over by the Department to their families for reburial in 2014. The remains of the fifth MK member of this group (Poto) will be handed over to his family soon in Eastern Cape Province.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 9 April 2015
Time: 9h30
Venue: Leagathoko Higher Secondary School, Penge Village, near Burgersfort, Limpopo Province
For media confirmations contact Victor Phala on 082 465 2469 / Vphala@justice.gov.za or Susan Mphuthi on 083 672 5805 / Smphuthi@justice.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional services
Cell: 083 641 8141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
