Permanent Removal: Who Killed the Cradock Four?

by Christopher Nicholson

Ten years into South African Democracy we need to find answers to some hard questions. Did the negotiations that lead to the new South Africa include an agreement that some of the masterminds of murder would be immune from prosecution? Have these men refused to confess their deed and shame in the certain knowledge that they will not be punished for their crimes? Will the families of Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto and Sicelo Mhlauli—as well as many others—ever know for certain who authorised the murders of their loved ones?

This is the fascinating story of the search for the people ultimately responsible for the deaths of the Cradock Four. Based on factual documentation and court records, it recounts the investigations and political intrigue around the murders and it demonstrates how this notorious case, more than any other, exposed the inner workings of the apartheid government’s State Security Council.

Genres: Nonfiction, South Africa

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lindy Crichton Bezuidenhout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled to find a copy of this book in South Africa. I was finally about to source a copy directly from the publisher. I am glad that I went through all the trouble to track this book down. It is the only non-fiction book I could find about the Cradock Four. Christopher Nicholson did a great job in writing the book and describing what happened. The story itself is sad, shocking and unbelievable. It is now 2018 and still the families are waiting...

[Dr. Corey Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't realize the viciousness of apartheid until you read about the Cradock four. The TRC in theory tried to help heal South Africa but many are still left with feelings of anger, sadness, and betrayal.