SANDF Legal Head Subpoenaed in Legal Proceedings for the Cradock Four
Thulane Madalane
Gqeberha:In a significant development in the reopened inquest into the murders of the Cradock Four, the Head of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Legal Services has been subpoenaed to appear in the Gqeberha High Court on July 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This legal action is tied to the military’s refusal to fund the legal representation of former Lieutenant General Christoffel Pierre “Joffel” van der Westhuizen, who has become a pivotal figure in this ongoing investigation.
Masilo Brian Lekoloana, the Deputy Director of Litigation for the SANDF, will represent the head of the SANDF Legal Services at the hearing. Van der Westhuizen, now 83 years old, served as the commanding officer of the Eastern Province Command during the time of the brutal killings. He was also a member of the Joint Management Committee, a structure linked to the State Security Council (SSC). On June 7, 1985, he issued a contentious signal directing that the Cradock Four—Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli—be “permanently removed” from society.
The inquest’s historical context cannot be understated. In 1994, during a second investigation overseen by Judge Neville Zietsman, it was determined that prima facie evidence pointed to the involvement of members of the security forces in the murders. The inquiry concluded that van der Westhuizen’s orders implied a call for the execution of the victims. Notably, he never sought amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), further complicating his legal circumstances.
The current inquest resumed between June 2 and 11, 2025, focusing primarily on testimonies from the victims’ families and their witnesses. The testimony from former state officials, including van der Westhuizen’s, is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 24, 2025. However, progress may be hindered if the financing issue for the implicated individuals remains unresolved.
As concerns grow regarding van der Westhuizen’s health, the families of the victims express urgency in securing his testimony. They fear that further delays could deprive them of the critical opportunity to hear from him, potentially impacting the pursuit of justice for the Cradock Four.
