South Africa wants to review former ANC government's claims to hinder apartheid crime investigation | South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is reviewing whether past ANC government has interfered with investigations and prosecutions in the apartheid era, amid criticism of victims’ families.

A group of 25 relatives and survivors of apartheid era of death and violence sued the government in January, claiming that the “highest level of government” intervention prevented investigations into cases in which the Facts and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) mentioned the state prosecution agency.

“Accusations of delaying or hindering investigations and prosecutions of crimes in apartheid era continue to the previous administration,” the president said in a statement Wednesday.

“Through this committee, President Ramaphosa determined that the real facts were established and the problem was attributed to the end… President Ramaphosa praised the pain and frustration of the families of the victims who had fought for justice for many years.”

The families prosecuting the government include four people known as the “cradle four” who were beaten, strangled by phone lines, stabbed and shot, and died in one of the most notorious killings in the apartheid era in South Africa.

In 1999, the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) denied the amnesty of six security officials for their role in Carataburg, Sparrow Moncto, Matthew Gonivi and Cicelo Mlali. The officers were never prosecuted and are now dead.

The families criticized Ramaphosa's decision that the investigation should evaluate its claim that “constitutional damages” – their High Court case demanded R167 million (£7.3 million) to fund further investigations and litigation, as well as memorials and public education – and said their rights were violated.

In a statement, they said the investigation has no authority over these areas and can only provide advice. “This fundamental drawback is pointed out to the president's legal team, and it can lead to problems that have not been resolved for years. This will continue the pain and trauma that families and survivors have experienced over the years.”

Since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, the South African government has been led by Nelson Mandela's African National Congress party.

In March, Thabo Mbeki, who served as president from 1999 to 2008, former Attorney General Brigitte Mabandla applied to intervene in the High Court case in the Family. Mbeki repeatedly denies interfering in the decision to prosecute the apartheid era.