The human remains of Xolile Sam will finally be handed over to his family for a proper burial which will happen on Friday, 04 May 2012 at New Brighton in Port Elizabeth. The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel MP, will officially hand over the remains at a special ceremony to remember the life and the selfless contribution made by Xolile Sam, otherwise known as MK Valdez at that time, towards the liberation of this country.
His remains were exhumed on 26 June 2011 by the Missing Persons Task Team (MPTT) of the National Prosecuting Authority in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations.
MK Valdez was shot and wounded on 7 November 1988 after he was spotted jumping over a wall by Vlakplaas member Leon Flores. Seriously wounded in the leg, he was then placed by Eugene de Kock inside a police vehicle and handcuffed to the metal seat. He was then tortured and suffocated in order to extract information from him. Valdez died in the police truck shortly thereafter. He was buried as an unidentified pauper in a separate pauper section of Vosloorus cemetery.
Five members of Vlakplaas applied for and received amnesty for their role in the death of Valdez. Valdez’s wife, Thandi Shongwe, met with De Kock at the TRC amnesty hearing and thereafter decided not to oppose his amnesty application as he also assisted her with obtaining information regarding Valdez’s burial site.
Details of the handover Ceremony are as follows:
Date: Friday, 04 May 2012
Venue: Nangoza Jebe Hall, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
Time: 09h30 for 10h00
Enquiries: Tlali Tlali, 082 3333 880
Journalist interested in covering the event should confirm by sending their details to:
Lusanda Ntuli:
Cell: 0836035638
E-mail: LNtuli@justice.gov.za
Remains of Xolile Sam (MK Valdez) to be handed over to his family
