South Africa Sets Up Judicial Commission to Review Apartheid-Era Crimes

 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a judicial commission to review crimes committed during the apartheid era. According to the president's office, the commission will investigate whether any attempts were made to hinder or obstruct investigations and legal proceedings related to those crimes.

"Allegations of improper interference to delay or block investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era offences persist from previous administrations. The creation of this commission follows negotiations to resolve a lawsuit brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes," the statement read.

Discussions about the need for the commission involved officials from the president's office, relatives of victims, and other government bodies. However, the parties couldn't agree on whether the commission should have the authority to declare the actions of certain state agencies unlawful if they intentionally delayed investigations, or if the state should be liable for financial compensation. The press release notes that these issues will be addressed after the commission is established.

"A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive powers is an opportunity to uncover the truth and offer recommendations for suitable legal remedies. President Ramaphosa recognizes the pain and frustration of the victims' families, who have fought for justice over many years. He respects their choice to continue pursuing their claims in court for compensation and acknowledgment of their rights," the president's office emphasized.

The makeup of the commission, its period of activity, and the detailed list of its powers will be announced at a later date.

Earlier in April, the High Court of Gauteng Province began a new review of the case surrounding the death of Nobel laureate and anti-apartheid leader Chief Albert John Luthuli. Prosecutors voiced doubts about the original findings concerning the cause of death, while Luthuli's grandson stated the family long suspected he had been killed and insisted on reopening the case.