Nel admits slow progress in finalising TRC cases

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel has acknowledged that the pace of finalising Truth and Reconciliation matters is not moving at the desired speed.

The department and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have presented an update to Parliament’s Justice Committee on the progress made on all TRC cases.

Since 2021, a unit was established within the NPA, to deal specifically with matters stemming from the TRC report.
It currently has 126 cases on its books and has finalised 30.

Nel says the department is aware that progress has been too slow.

“Much as there had been progress I think we would be untrue to ourselves and the very important mandate if we say to this committee that we have done all we need to do and that we have done it at the speed that we should.”

The NPA’s Deputy National Director Advocate Rodney de Kock says progress on these matters is slow because they have unique challenges.

“Documents that we need often destroyed, reconstructions, have to look at secondary evidence where not have originals. lost of dockets, and inquest documents. We rely on expert evidence… in relation to the reconstruction of crime scenes and to give evidence regarding the cause of death and ballistics. Lots of expert evidence required in these matters.”

The TRC has identified more than 21-thousand victims. The Deputy Director General in the Justice Department, Shireen Said, says compensation to those individuals has been in the form of medical, and educational assistance and a once-off grant.

“Of 21 000 just over 17 000 were paid R30 000 once off payment…the total amount is R53 million paid.”

According to the head of the NPA, Advocate Shamila Batohi, they are doing everything in their power to bring closure to the families of victims.

“Even where all leads are exhausted, and we are unable to prosecute or open an inquest or recover remains, we try to ensure some degree of closure, by ensuring we keep them informed of all the avenues explored in order to try and ensure there is justice and accountability.”