The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has announced a major breakthrough in a decades-old apartheid-era case involving the kidnapping and murder of three political activists affiliated with the Port Elizabeth Black Civic Organisation (PEBCO).

The activists — Sipho Hashe, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Champion Galela — disappeared on May 8, 1985, after they were allegedly kidnapped at the then Verwoerd Airport in Port Elizabeth.

Their fate remained unknown for more than 40 years, leaving families and communities without answers.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, subsequent investigations indicate that the three men were unlawfully detained, assaulted and later killed during a period marked by intense political repression under apartheid.

Fumba said the case was formally referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) Unit in May 2021, despite the absence of supporting case documentation.

“Investigators nevertheless undertook an extensive review and reconstruction of historical events surrounding the activists’ disappearance.”

As a result of the investigation, three inquest case dockets have been registered, and two suspects aged between 72 and 87, have been identified.

The matter appeared before the Gqeberha High Court on January 23, 2026, and was postponed to 20 February 2026 for further case management proceedings.

Eastern Cape Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, reiterated that serious crimes do not prescribe with the passage of time and reaffirmed the Hawks’ commitment to pursuing justice regardless of how many years have elapsed.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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