Apartheid-Era Murder Trial Begins in Cacadu Court

The trial of a former Transkei Security Branch officer charged with the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo commenced in the Cacadu Circuit Court on Monday.

The State called its first three witnesses as proceedings got underway. The trial is scheduled to run until 31 July 2026, with a further five witnesses expected to testify.

Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza and Victor Ngaleka, who were living with Ndondo at the time of his assassination, gave evidence about the events surrounding his killing.

The State also led the evidence of David Numa, a former Security Branch police sergeant who was stationed at Cala Police Station.

Ndondo was shot and killed on 24 September 1985. His murder remains one of the unresolved cases involving anti-apartheid activists who lost their lives at the hands of apartheid security forces.

The accused, identified as Dandala, previously applied for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His application was refused.

In his TRC application, he claimed Ndondo was shot and killed because they feared they would be targeted by Askaris if they failed to carry out the act.

The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions decided the matter be heard in the Cacadu Circuit Court to improve accessibility for members of the public from surrounding communities.

The National Prosecuting Authority said it hopes a conviction will provide the victim’s family with long-awaited closure and contribute to broader efforts to address unresolved crimes committed during the apartheid era.

“The NPA remains committed to pursuing accountability for serious crimes and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the commission of the offences,” NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said.