Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
April 10, 1997
Digging at the Aliwal North farm where it is suspected the bodies of MK soldiers were secretly buried in 1981 was suspended this morning when bones, including what appear to be a human femur, spinal cord and ribs, were found.
A pathologist is being summoned from Bloemfontein and we shall wait for his arrival before we continue with the digging. Until now we have been using mechanical excavators but we have brought in men who will dig more slowly with shovels.
Today's discovery was made after we moved to a new location this morning. We identified the spot after consulting with the policeman who brought the bodies to the farm in 1981, with the undertaker involved and with labourers who knew the farm.
Sniffer dogs brought from Durban were used to help find the spot where the bones were found.
The cadres whose bodies we are looking for were killed in two separate shootouts with police near Elliot in August 1981. Investigations carried out by the staff of Mr Tokyo Sexwale, whose brother is suspected to be one of those buried on the farm, corroborated by our investigations, indicate that four cadres were secretly buried on the farm.
The Commission will not release the names of those cadres who have not yet been named unless bodies are found and positively identified, and until the next-of-kin have been informed.
Inquiries: Phila Ngqumba is at the site: 082-458-8463