MK veteran is welcomed home
After 25 years in jail, a local uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) veteran was released on parole and warmly welcomed home by the community.
NAAS – Family, friends, and the community of Block B welcomed military veteran and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) activist, Voice Sambo (51) back home on Thursday after spending over two decades in prison.
Sambo was convicted to 40 years’ imprisonment in 1992 for murdering a police officer and served 25 years before recently being released on parole.
According to reports, Sambo overpowered a police officer who had shot him in the leg, and shot and killed him. His twin brother, Johannes, was reportedly murdered and his body was blown up with explosives by members of the apartheid security branch in Komatipoort in 1991, on the orders of death-squad commander, Eugene de Kock. De Kock was released on parole in 2015 after 20 years in prison.
Sambo reportedly worked as an MK operative alongside well knowns such as Dr Mathews Phosa, former cabinet minister Mr Siphiwe Nyanda and late defence secretary, Mr January Masilela.
His family tried to have him released on parole in 2006, and the MK Military Veterans Association petitioned the Department of Correctional Services last year.
His release has brought much joy to his family, especially his son, Mr Sibusiso Sambo (32), who says his father left when he was nine years old. “I was still too young to even understand. I just heard that my father had been sentenced to 40 years in jail. I am happy that he is back and I can have a person to look up to.”
The MK Military Veteran Association’s secretary, Mr Charles Nkuna, said they are very happy about his release because he had never enjoyed the freedom that South Africa received in 1994.
Addressing the people at his home on Thursday, Sambo asked that he must not be seen as an enemy. He said he will work with councillors for a way forward with regard to community development and will support them. “I am back and I’m asking for peace. To councillors and other structures here in Nkomazi, I am under your leadership.”
He also mentioned how thankful he was that his mother is still alive.
He thanked the community for such a warm welcome, when young and old gathered at the Block B Green Mamba grounds during his return.
Community members also shared sentiments of joy about his release. Ms Betty Nkuna (80) said she knew Sambo as a young man and is happy that he is back.
“I feel very happy because it is rare for someone to go to jail for such a time and come back alive and healthy. We really thank God.”
