Date: 19/12/2002
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dowry: Alleged mass grave in Laingsburg, Western Cape, to be investigated


STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY, MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: 1981 LAINGSBURG FLOOD - PREMIER WILL BE ASKED TO LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATIONS OF A MASS GRAVE

According to reports in the media there are allegations that victims of the 1981 Laingsburg flood were buried in a mass grave. It is necessary that the substance of these allegations is investigated.

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape has a certain responsibility towards local government. There is a constitutional obligation on the Provincial Government to support, strengthen and monitor municipalities. The support towards municipalities is not always of a financial nature but must also, as is the case at Laingsburg Municipality, ensure that there is finality with regards to the tremendous tragedy that occurred in 1981.

In consultation with the Mayor of Laingsburg I will request the Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, to launch an independent investigation into these allegations as soon as possible. Such an independent investigation can have the following terms of reference:
* To probe the validity of the allegations,
* To probe the possible existence of a mass grave and its location

If such a mass grave does exist then the Premier will also be requested to ensure that the Provincial Government of the Western Cape exhume the bodies and give the victims a proper and dignified burial.

There can not be finality to the tragedy of 1981 if allegations such as these are not dealt with and it is therefore necessary, not only for the municipality but also for the Provincial Government to investigate these allegations and to ensure finality of the 1981 flood disaster.

Enquiries: Jan Bosman, 083-7755-312
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.westerncape.gov.za)