NPA Opens Inquest into 1993 Mthatha Child Killings

• Restart of Inquest into 1993 Killings: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has initiated an inquest into the 1993 death of five children in Mthatha, following approval from the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister.
• Details of the 1993 Incident: On 8 October 1993, five children aged between 12 and 17 were killed during a raid on their home by the apartheid-era South African Defence Force targeting alleged members of APLA.
• SADF’s Responsibility and Context: The SADF claimed responsibility, stating they targeted APLA members believed to be hiding weapons inside the house, following arrests and torture of APLA members by police.
• Court Proceedings and Witnesses: The inquest will be held at the Mthatha High Court, with family members and other witnesses expected to testify to establish potential criminal liability.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opened an inquest into the 1993 killing of five children by the apartheid-era South African Defence Force (SADF) in Mthatha. The move follows Justice and Constitutional Development Minister’s approval of a request by the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the matter to be revisited.

On 8 October 1993, twelve-year-olds Mzwandile Mfeya and Sandiso Yaso, sixteen-year-old twins Samora and Sadat Mpendulo, and seventeen-year-old Thando Mthembu were gunned down inside house number 47, AC Jordan Street, Northcrest. The youngsters, all students preparing for exams, were attacked during a raid on the home of PAC activist Sigqibo Mpendulo, father of the twins.

The SADF claimed responsibility on the day of the shooting, saying the operation targeted members of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), the PAC’s military wing, believed to be hiding weapons at the residence. Soldiers kicked down the door and opened fire, killing all inside. The raid came after APLA members had been arrested and tortured by the South African Police Security Branch, which demanded information on APLA operations.

The inquest will take place in the Mthatha High Court, with the date to be set by the judge president. Witnesses, including family members of the victims, are expected to testify. The court will consider evidence under the Inquest Act to determine if the deaths can be linked to individuals who may be held criminally liable.

The NPA says the inquiry is part of ongoing efforts to confront past atrocities and bring closure to affected families and society.