Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
South Africa reopens inquest into 1985 killings of Pebco Three activists
Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Twasile Champion Galela were anti-apartheid activists known as the Pebco Three.
They disappeared on 8 May 1985 after leaving to meet someone at an airport in what is now Gqeberha, South Africa.
Former security branch policeman Gideon Nieuwoudt later testified that they were lured there, abducted and killed.
Their families have sought accountability for decades, but the case did not reach trial after charges were brought in 2004.
A Gqeberha High Court inquest, approved in 2025, is scheduled to examine the circumstances of their deaths from 12 to 16 October.
It is expected to hear from the investigating officer, family members and others, with inspections at the airport and the former Post Chalmers police station also planned.
The inquest is not a criminal trial and cannot itself establish guilt; a further sitting is expected in 2027, when former askari Joseph Mamasela may testify if he is assessed as fit.
South Africa’s Gqeberha High Court is set to begin an inquest into the 1985 killings of three anti-apartheid activists known as the Pebco Three.
The inquest is scheduled to run from 12 to 16 October 2026 and will examine the circumstances of their abduction and deaths.
Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Twasile Champion Galela disappeared after leaving home to meet a prospective donor at an airport on 8 May 1985.
The killings have not resulted in a completed prosecution, and the families have continued to seek accountability.
The inquest is not a criminal trial and will not, by itself, establish criminal guilt.
- Who
- The inquest concerns activists Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Twasile Champion Galela, known as the Pebco Three.
- What
- A court inquest is reopening examination of their abduction and killings.
- When
- It is scheduled for 12 to 16 October 2026. A second sitting is expected in 2027.
- Where
- Gqeberha High Court, South Africa.
- Why
- The proceedings will examine the circumstances of the killings and place relevant evidence before the court.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The three activists left home to meet a prospective donor at what was then Hendrik Verwoerd Airport and did not return.
Former security branch policeman Gideon Nieuwoudt disclosed details of the abduction and murder during his amnesty application to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Nieuwoudt, Johannes Martin “Sakkie” van Zyl and Johannes Koole were indicted in connection with the murders, but the case did not proceed to trial.
The families asked the National Prosecuting Authority and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation to reopen the case.
The justice minister approved the request for an inquest.
The inquest is scheduled to begin at Gqeberha High Court and hear evidence.
A second sitting is expected to hear from Joseph Mamasela, subject to an assessment of his fitness to testify.
- Victims
- Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Twasile Champion Galela
- Abduction date
- 8 May 1985
- Airport
- Hendrik Verwoerd Airport, now Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
- Inquest dates
- 12–16 October 2026
- Expected witness
- Joseph Mamasela, at a second sitting expected in 2027
Sources
Related news
Singapore weighs safeguards as AI could reduce training for young workers
Poland detains man over alleged plot against Tusk and defense minister
Pakistan declares emergency in province governed by Imran Khan's party
Singapore monitors haze hotspots as four 2015 company investigations continue
Hitler Mussolini Simeon Flores elected mayor in Peru
Seven women to take Israel’s rabbinical exams under equal testing conditions
Abbas postpones Palestinian elections until September 2027
INEC clears 13 candidates for Nasarawa’s 2027 governorship election
Mozambique gives residents until December to surrender illegal weapons
Argentina’s citizenship-for-investment plan faces legal and political challenges
Pakistan takes direct control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under emergency rule
