Tears as PAC cadres’ remains are handed over

Revolutionary songs and loud sobs echoed through the Freedom Park dome as the remains of seven Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) cadres, who were exhumed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s missing persons task team, were brought in during a handover ceremony recently.

The seven coffins, including those of the Munsieville Four, were each decorated with large white wreaths and were brought in one by one, carried by uniformed soldiers who saluted the fallen heroes of the struggle as the coffins were placed in the centre of the dome.

The heroes honoured were the renowned Munsieville Four – Thomas Molatlhegi, Petrus Ntshole, Josiah Motsumi and Richard Motsoahae, who were condemned and sent to the gallows for killing a black policeman, adamant that they killed no one but were fighting for the land of their birth. The other cadres were Priscilla Mosueu, also known as Kuki Zwane, her combat name, and Thabo Rammutla.

The handing over of the remains comes three months before their 55th anniversary. The four were hanged on 16 June 1964, 12 years before the 1976 Soweto youth uprising, in which a young Hector Pieterson paid the ultimate price, took place.

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha, accompanied by the PAC president, Narius Kolobe Moloto; the Mogale City Executive Mayor, councillor Naga Patrick Lipudi, and Mogale City Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Integrated Environmental Management, councillor Francinah Chohledi, conveyed their messages of support for the fallen heroes.

Masutha said it is important not to look away from the lessons history had taught us but rather to lay the facts bare for future generations to derive useful lessons from them.

Family members could not hold their tears back any longer as the remains of their beloved ones were handed over to them.

The families of the Munsieville Four still have to agree on the joint reburial which will be held in Munsieville.