PRESS RELEASE
To: All Media
ATT: News Editors, Human Rights Reporters
For Immediate Release
11 April 2025

Kubheka and Phewa Trial Resumes

Press Statement by the Foundation for Human Rights and Norton Rose Fullbright

The trial concerning the 1987 enforced disappearances of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives, Ntombikayise “Ntombi” Kubheka and Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa, resumed on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. Following the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in KwaZulu-Natal to prosecute former Security Branch officers Hendrik Johannes Petrus Botha, Salmon Johannes Gerhardus Du Preez, Martinus Dawid Ras Jnr, and Jakob Albert Coetzer. A fifth accused, Lawrence Gerald Wasserman, was also charged but passed away on 16 November 2024.  

The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) and Norton Rose Fulbright stand in solidarity with the Kubheka and Phewa families in their pursuit of truth, justice, and healing.  

Background:

Ntombikayise Priscilla Kubheka 

In May 1987, MK operative Ntombikayise Priscilla Kubheka was abducted, tortured, and murdered near Winkelspruit by the Security Branch. Several perpetrators applied for amnesty for her abduction and murder; some were granted amnesty for the kidnapping, but none for the murder. Her daughter, Thuli, has been tireless in seeking justice for her mother’s death.  

Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa 

Also in May 1987, MK operative Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa was abducted by askaris and handed over to the Security Branch at Winkelspruit. He was never seen again, and his body has not been recovered. No one applied for amnesty in his case. An inquest was opened in 2022 but did not proceed. In November 2023, the DPP in KwaZulu-Natal decided to prosecute Botha, Du Preez, Ras Jnr, and Coetzer. Wasserman was added to the proceedings in November 2024 but died shortly after being indicted. At least three other alleged perpetrators, including the notorious Andy Taylor, died before they could face justice.  

/END 

Media Contacts:  

Foundation for Human Rights:  

Zaid Kimmie / Zkimmie@fhr.org.za  

Norton Rose Fulbright:  

Candice Pillay / candice.pillay@nortonrosefulbright.com 

Motheo Mothlanke /  motheo.mothlanke@nortonrosefulbright.com