Professor Tinyoko Maluleke, the newly elected President of the SACC, stated that, “the court case on Friday, 17 August, of Apartheid Law and Order minister Adriaan Vlok and four co-accused is of historical significance”. Mr Vlok and his four conspirators reached a plea bargain deal with the NPA and pleaded guilty to the crime of poisoning the Rev Dr Frank Chikane. Maluleke expressed concern that this court judgment may set a precedent complicating our national search for justice and subsequent reconciliation and healing.

“The poisoning of our brother and leader is in many quarters described as attempted murder. This crime and attempt on the Rev Chikane’s life must be understood within its context. He was the General Secretary of the SACC and he was targeted for the work that he did on behalf of all SACC churches and other members,” Maluleke asserts. The accused admitted that the motive for the murder was “to prevent him from lobbying for economic sanctions (against apartheid) and to deprive him of his role in promoting internal resistance against the government.” In his amnesty application to the TRC Vlok gave similar reasons for his involvement in the bombing of the national headquarters of the SACC (Khotso House) during August 1988.

“It is logical to deduce that the criminal act was not only against Rev Chikane, but also against the SACC which he headed,” says Maluleke. This position is evidenced in the number of apartheid’s victims and survivors who continue to search for the truth that will make forgiveness and reconciliation possible. Some of these victims and survivors demonstrated outside the court, under the banner of the Khulumani Support Group.

The SACC General Secretary, Mr Eddie Makue says that, “a considerable number of survivors, victims and their relatives are still anxiously waiting for the day when justice will be seen to be done. They are joined by the nation in the quest to experience meaningful reconciliation.”

Makue is concerned that “while we have the highest respect for our courts and the independence of the judiciary some judgments place the Council in serious predicaments. This particular ruling is a case in point.” All five accused admitted to the crime and received suspended sentences. “Punishment is not the solution we seek, but there is a lot of pain and trauma experienced by so many who lost their loved ones, people who sacrificed their comforts and lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms of the democratic and non-racial South Africa that we are today. How do we demonstrate our national solidarity and understanding to these families?” Makue asks.

The SACC reiterates its appeal to all the perpetrators of human rights violations to please assist the nation in our reconciliation and healing efforts. They can contribute by revealing and uncovering the truth “that will set us all free”.

“We thank God for protecting our brother and leader (Frank), was in not for God’s grace the apartheid criminals would have deprived our nation and the ecumenical movement of another great leader” Maluleke reminds us. He continues saying, “there are many others who sacrificed their lives and we need to remember them and the justice they believed in. We owe it to them to make South Africa the nation that they strived for.”

For further information contact:
Mr. Eddie Makue, SACC General Secretary (082 853 8781)