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 Mr. Richard Tumokgolo Lentsela to his family on Saturday, 28 March 2015 in Schweizer Reneke, North West Province.
Mr. Richard Tumokgolo Lentsela was born on 12 July 1959 in Schweizer Reneke and went into exile in 1984 where he joined the African National Congress and underwent military training as an Umkhonto We Sizwe member. He returned to South Africa on 27 June 1986 using a vehicle that was being driven by police informer who worked with the Western Transvaal Security police.
He was shot dead together with other three MK members by Transvaal Security Police at Murgfontein farm at Nietverdiend near Botswana. The Missing Persons Task Team (MPTT) established that the four deceased were buried as unidentified paupers in a field at Lethabong Village near Rustenburg. The MPTT excavated the field where the four were buried amongst numerous other paupers and recovered their remains, all of which contained multiple bullet wounds. His identity was confirmed through the DNA tests.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 28 March 2015
Time: 08h00
Venue: Schweizer Reneke Multi-Purpose Centre
For media confirmations contact Victor Mateane Phala on 082 465 2469 / Vphala@justice.gov.za or Solly Kganyago on 083 499 8243 / SKganyago@justice.gov.za.
Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional services
Cell: 083 641 8141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
