From the archives: Two gangsters give an horrific account of how they were encouraged and trained to carry out violence against ANC-linked targets by the security forces.
Two young gangsters give an horrific account of how they were encouraged, equipped and trained to carry out violence against ANC-linked targets by the security forces. Their account provides a crucial missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle of what caused the violence which has rocked the townships. The gangsters have asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation against their families.
The two Black Cats tell how their gang was initially formed to counter a pro-ANC civic organisation in the area. After suffering several defeats at the hands of the “comrades”, 32 Black Cats were taken to Ulundi and then Mkuze camp, where they underwent military training. They returned with instructions to establish themselves as an Inkatha force in the area. The younger of the two defectors, Themba, went for training.
Lucas alleges that two policemen, a Captain Botha and Van Zwiel were in constant contact with Mchobokazi, a knoWn lnkatha member who visited the gang members several times at Ulundi and Mkuze. He recounts how on the night of July 22 and into the next morning the Black Cats — named after the black whips they brandish ran amok in the ‘location, breaking doors and win-dows of civic leaders and known ANC supporters, and attacking sever-al people with pangas, knives and axes.
An Inkatha supporter, “Doctor” Hlatshwayo, was to be buried the same day as Sibanyoni. Lucas, who was with the team of hitmen — the “eight KZPs” on that day, tells the inside story: “Eight KZPs came from Ulundi in two cars. They were not wearing uniform. They came to the Uwusa offices the day before the funeral. Three of them were called Mandlanduna, Zweli and Nhlanhla. They taught us Inkatha songs … and told us they were going to shoot at the ANC funeral while we must stay at Doctor’s house.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Safety, jobs and renewable energy expected to dominate Winde's SopaFor the first time, the event is taking place in Mitchells Plain.
Read more »
'Friendly' Aussies ready for hostile tour - The Mail & GuardianThe Australian cricket side will aim to play every match of their South African tour in good spirits despite expected hostility from the crowd, coach Justin Langer said on Monday.
Read more »
Ramaphosa makes peace with Malema over gender-based violence comments - The Mail & GuardianIn his Sona response, the President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised for the weaponising of gender-based violence, saying the attack on the red beret leader was ‘uncalled for’.
Read more »
Make corruption reporting meaningful - The Mail & GuardianCritiques of corruption must explicitly disrupt corporate globalism, imperialism, racism, authoritarianism, militarism, elitism and sexism
Read more »
The informal economy is necessary to deal with the unemployment crisis - The Mail & GuardianIt is more connected to the broader economy than we realise and should be supported
Read more »
De Klerk's paradoxical presence - The Mail & GuardianFROM THE ARCHIVES: Although leaders of the reconciliation era accept South Africa's last white president, younger politicians are not as forgiving.
Read more »