President Jacob Zuma has extended words of comfort to the Mxenge family today, 19 November, which marks the 35th anniversary of the brutal murder of revered human rights lawyer and freedom fighter, Mr Griffiths Mlungisi Mxenge, which took place on 19 November 1981.
Mr Mxenge was abducted, stabbed and hammered to death by killers hired by the apartheid government, operating from the notorious Vlaakplaas farm at which many murders of liberation struggle activists were planned. His body was found at Umlazi stadium, south of Durban. The highly regarded leader served two years on Robben Island. He groomed many young lawyers and represented many ANC and UDF activists who were persecuted by the apartheid regime.
His wife, Victoria Mxenge was also mercilessly killed four years later. In 1997, former policeman Dirk Coetzee and two men David Tshikalanga and Almond Nofemela confessed to the murders. They were found guilty of the murders but were later granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“Mr Mxenge is one of the illustrious heroes of our liberation struggle. He and his wife Victoria, paid the supreme price for the freedom we enjoy today. They were brutally murdered by heartless apartheid functionaries, who wanted to stop the dawn of freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May our people find inspiration in the lives of this selfless couple that did so much for our country,” said President Zuma
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
