Fresh take on killing of Gugulethu Seven
A new book by Marina da Gama author Dr Beverley Roos-Muller delves into the events surrounding the killing of the Gugulethu Seven.
Hunting the Seven: How the Gugulethu Seven assassins were exposed has unearthed previously hidden facts about how apartheid security forces planned and executed the killing of seven men in 1986, says Dr Roos-Muller.
Jabulani Godfery Miya, Zandisile Zenith Mjobo, Zola Alfred Swelani, Mandla Simon Mxinwa, Themba Mlifi, Zabonke, John Konile and Christopher Piet were led into an ambush at the corner of NY1 and NY111 (Native Yard 1 and Native Yard 111) where they were shot and killed, according to South African History Online.
"It was a very difficult and painful book to write, as almost everything in it contradicted the 'known' story about the Gugulethu Seven's killings, and today, even Wikipedia is still totally incorrect," Dr Roos-Muller told the Echo.
She claims the men were not trained Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) militants, as has been claimed by some sources.
Her motivation for writing the book, she said, stemmed from her long-standing connection to the case and her commitment to uncovering the truth.
She recounted her experiences meeting the families of the victims, attending funerals, and following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proceedings as a UCT lecturer and activist.
She worked with many organisations, including township civics, and collaborated with her friend, former member of parliament Tian van der Merwe, whose role was crucial in mediating with hostile police and magistrates.
“Despite the overwhelming evidence, none of the police officers involved were ever imprisoned, and not a single Cape cop applied for amnesty,” she said.
Dr Roos-Muller said her research included studying police affidavits, inquest records, trial documents, TRC records, and amnesty hearings.
"Only by studying the actual texts from the beginning; the earliest affidavits by the police; the inquests; and the trial record of journalist Tony Weaver, who fortunately, because of his wonderful legal team, was acquitted; the TRC records and footage; and the amnesty hearings, was I able to figure out what really happened.“
Mr Weaver was charged with breaking apartheid-era censorship laws for his reporting on the Gugulethu Seven killings.
The book describes how the young men were falsely labelled as “terrorists” and randomly chosen for execution.
“Some of the details are difficult to read, such as the multiple gunshot wounds each victim received, including finishing shots to the head.
“Only one parent, Cynthia Ngewu, the mother of Christopher Piet, is still alive today. Her forgiveness of one of the Vlakplaas killers is one of the few redeeming moments in the narrative,” Dr Roos-Muller said.
Dr Roos-Muller believes that acknowledging the horrors of apartheid is essential for moving forward. "We cannot move on by pretending it did not happen," she said.
"I hope that the book not only reveals an awful truth but also the very many people who stood up against injustice - often at considerable risk to themselves, including myself - and who refused to just 'go along' with the official line," she said.
"There is always something one can do even if, like me, you are just 'one person' nd not that important.
“The book contains villains, but it also features heroes, and the vital role that diligent, brave, serious journalism plays in a democratic society.”
