The Cradock 4 were Matthew Goniwe, Sparrow Mkonto, Fort Calata and Sicelo Mhlauli, who were abducted and killed by the security police on June 27, 1985, while returning from a meeting in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape Province.

Their families have welcomed the announcement and expressed their hope for justice and closure. Lukhanyo Calata, a family representative, said: "From tomorrow onwards we will wake up and will ensure that this inquest is successful and that it finally reveals the truth around the murders of the Cradock 4, in particular who were some of those apartheid politicians that ordered these murders. In a nutshell we welcome this announcement, and we are very pleased that we are finally here."

The Minister said that the previous two inquests into the case were unsatisfactory and did not include the evidence that emerged during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.

--SABC--