Maduna calls for damages to apartheid-era victims and families

Former justice minister Penuell Maduna says the state should pay constitutional damages to victims of apartheid-era violations and their families.

Maduna made the submission to the inquiry examining delays in the investigation and prosecution of cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Sisi Khampepe, is considering whether political interference obstructed the work and whether reparations should be paid. No final finding has been made.

Maduna argued that the democratic state assumed responsibilities from the government that preceded it and should therefore address harm suffered by victims whose cases were not properly resolved.

He also defended the Amnesty Task Team established in 2004. Maduna denied that the structure was intended to interfere with the National Prosecuting Authority and said it was created to deal with unresolved matters after the TRC process.

The task team stopped operating in 2007 after then national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli raised concerns about its work.

The Khampepe inquiry's eventual report will determine its findings on political interference, institutional responsibility and possible redress. Maduna's evidence represents his account and proposal to the commission.