The State has called its first three witnesses in the trial of a former police officer attached to the notorious Transkei Security Branch (SB), who is charged with the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo.

The trial commenced today and is scheduled to continue until 31 July 2026, with a further five witnesses expected to testify.

According to reports, Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza and Victor Ngaleka, who were living with Ndondo at the time of his assassination, testified about the events surrounding his killing.

The State also led the evidence of David Numa, a former Security Branch police sergeant who was stationed at Cala Police Station.

The murder of Ndondo on 24 September 1985 remains one of the unresolved cases involving anti-apartheid activists who lost their lives at the hands of apartheid security forces.

The accused, Dandala, previously applied for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), but his application was refused. In his amnesty application, he claimed that Ndondo was shot and killed because they feared they would be targeted by Askaris if they failed to carry out the act.

The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided that the matter be heard in the Cacadu Circuit Court to improve accessibility for members of the public from surrounding communities.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hopes that, should a conviction be secured, the proceedings will provide the victim’s family with long-awaited closure and contribute to broader efforts aimed at addressing unresolved crimes committed during the apartheid era.

The NPA remains committed to pursuing accountability for serious crimes and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the commission of the offences.

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