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"contents": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of a third inquest to determine definitively who was responsible for the deaths of the Cradock Four, Judge Thami Beshe, the legal teams for those involved and the families visited several sites in Gqeberha on Wednesday.</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cradock Four were anti-apartheid activists Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, Sparrow Mkonto and Matthew Goniwe.</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They were returning to Cradock from Gqeberha (then known as Port Elizabeth) on 27 June 1985 when they were arrested at a roadblock manned by the Security Branch, assaulted and murdered. </span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The court spent yesterday in Coega and Bluewater Bay where witnesses pointed out where the vehicle they were travelling in had been, and where their remains were found. </span><b>DM</b></p><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more about proceedings in the third inquest so far, </span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-02-inquest-into-deaths-of-cradock-four-reopened-almost-40-years-after-their-murders/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span></i></p><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iwMmIyph3jIljZ43Xg4XomnqtVo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg' alt='Witnesses highlighting the search for the Cradock Four in 1985, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Witnesses highlighting the search for the Cradock Four that took place in 1985, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iwMmIyph3jIljZ43Xg4XomnqtVo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ENeDJRSKra9KNgpe0CIwdjuftkQ=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/3l-GjyS9WQ61UiBKCVt6wJeZFi0=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Z4bU78jl3B7Z6Ou9jFltISbQPZc=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ekXdebnDIlXvrIcNvlr8SjRmMsg=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2775-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Witnesses highlighting the search for the Cradock Four that took place in 1985, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WXZvr0uorYIm0gmMQTRgwEYCKqA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg' alt='Police Captain Moegammed Jones and witness Gcobani Zonke, the brother-in-law of Sicelo Mhlauli, detail what they can remember about the search for the men, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Police Captain Moegammed Jones and witness Gcobani Zonke, the brother-in-law of Sicelo Mhlauli, detail what they can remember about the search for the men, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WXZvr0uorYIm0gmMQTRgwEYCKqA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/UQ_DBcPwQC8-x8BPT5UScmCc8Wo=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Kt2gScNdaaqi7IjKZnEK3X4eWgs=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KjlDOAN4FaVFExFle4c4rW0P8bw=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0uCNulrbShglZHZMaKxjMH4U254=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2682-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Police Captain Moegammed Jones and witness Gcobani Zonke, the brother-in-law of Sicelo Mhlauli, detail what they can remember about the search for the men, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mbkrPXWF-7qLehdh9MXYgpu7v9g=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg' alt='A witness pointing out the different sites of interest for the Cradock Four inquest, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' A witness points out the different sites of interest for the Cradock Four inquest, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mbkrPXWF-7qLehdh9MXYgpu7v9g=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8EsxM9JNSBJPhoCsVwFdnPbEDnM=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/RYv6AoeT-xQFoLKUOuZ0IVdUzkw=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/HD4yXmT0Xi8U5AxZukYSSLX7V3k=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/wXX3i2ctzqDjiukXmAwiY4Xftxs=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2623-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> A witness points out the different sites of interest for the Cradock Four inquest, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/tBXjLKs8cgyreUq9dkTAYAjGCJo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg' alt='Anti-apartheid activist Bishop Paul Verryn speaking at the court's inspection of the two sites linked to the Cradock Four, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Anti-apartheid activist Bishop Paul Verryn speaks at the court's inspection of the two sites linked to the Cradock Four. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/tBXjLKs8cgyreUq9dkTAYAjGCJo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/g2qSGILnGFDtGpSwak627R8tueU=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/AuyCc_YM9pBYawwyk-B7tQz_3Sg=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/JLKkVjYOT62eKuQne17teFuqy_A=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/STymKKe78rtiKuS0g1SMFNAX7Xo=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0784-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Anti-apartheid activist Bishop Paul Verryn speaks at the court's inspection of the two sites linked to the Cradock Four. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ENcGXtkQsQwvvtrqbXCFblq-fyk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg' alt='Nomonde Calata, Fort Calata's widow, joined the court in visiting the sites where the vehicle, the Cradock 4, was found as well as the beach where their remains were discovered, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Nomonde Calata, Fort Calata's widow, joined the court in visiting the sites where the vehicle used by the Cradock Four was found, as well as the beach where their remains were discovered, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ENcGXtkQsQwvvtrqbXCFblq-fyk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/OmwbzAmgG9nt4zIcEnjVQ9ehLYo=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/klTHdhZbTLPowLwh46mDFrTPrGQ=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Wg0VzI5rflwq9m8Fym8o1pYapCA=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/eK4RMR5IxPqVOyp-Oa6EaTc6i6c=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0739-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Nomonde Calata, Fort Calata's widow, joined the court in visiting the sites where the vehicle used by the Cradock Four was found, as well as the beach where their remains were discovered, on 4 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WqArdyrScOr7BbPztaBS2OJRJxg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg' alt='Nombuyiselo Mhlauli being supported by the National Prosecuting Authority's advocate Jannie Coltman at the Bluewater Bay beach where her husband Sicelo's body was found in 1985, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Nombuyiselo Mhlauli is supported by National Prosecuting Authority advocate Jannie Coltman at the Bluewater Bay beach where her husband Sicelo's body was found in 1985. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WqArdyrScOr7BbPztaBS2OJRJxg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/U-L3-VA1PqQTDT_cfys9q74uxN8=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/nMn5HcDK2oIf2aVHbtXTDJ_Xzmk=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/y6sTwH84Yz7EUWjFE6gbBRJ9Dsc=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/uyw45ZWNq63Kw7iYW3lPlo1YwBA=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0715-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Nombuyiselo Mhlauli is supported by National Prosecuting Authority advocate Jannie Coltman at the Bluewater Bay beach where her husband Sicelo's body was found in 1985. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/M2L_2wb9o2Gdli2mviT8FY_hBis=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg' alt='Judge Thami Beshe at the inspection on Wednesday, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Judge Thami Beshe at the inspection. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/M2L_2wb9o2Gdli2mviT8FY_hBis=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/FYlGqLOKIJE4njjMDOQmhyvqKrM=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mBX7A6FxJn-4HpWm4OwqEdRmO80=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/HooC8YjqY8SjQe4KLsjdh8psA3o=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Aker-Zmz2WEYeMOIDhSk8kAzbao=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0551-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Judge Thami Beshe at the inspection. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8lxkgjzWLUhWVlmy1zZ5BHZeLeM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg' alt='Judge Thami Beshe and members of the legal teams at Bluewater Bay where the bodies of the men were found, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Judge Thami Beshe and members of the legal teams at Bluewater Bay. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8lxkgjzWLUhWVlmy1zZ5BHZeLeM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-kppD2pR-UZ0YXfNLoX4UDIzzJQ=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/c6a-2YHhS4OTPtn2Y8B4ofuOU6Q=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZqOS_eSE_KimbQ-40jqCi-p8KAo=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7m1PbdcH3uPhMithozmXuv2Dnro=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0662-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Judge Thami Beshe and members of the legal teams at Bluewater Bay. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lr7HSnTNaRWYJpTdtC_CKjZn3L4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg' alt='Human Rights Lawyer and Former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Yasmin Sooka with members of the legal teams at the site where Matthew Goniwe's burnt-out vehicle was found., 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Human Rights Lawyer and Former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Yasmin Sooka with members of the legal teams at the site where Matthew Goniwe's burnt-out vehicle was found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lr7HSnTNaRWYJpTdtC_CKjZn3L4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/UEXXJIg6rF8KJEOcUh_Hy2mdMi4=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/nwjBCkzji98959s90M8BRN5RayY=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/NlrBog1nd68j-ME4ikb1vnsu0Fg=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/3L-vcw6f4uUouISUE3X0HrcW2w4=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0611-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Human Rights Lawyer and Former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Yasmin Sooka with members of the legal teams at the site where Matthew Goniwe's burnt-out vehicle was found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/e8MrP8OE03_Oi1k89447fLrRGs0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg' alt='Wives and family members of the Cradock 4 with Bishop Paul Verryn at the site where the vehicle was found., 04 June 2025.(Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Wives and family members of the Cradock Four with Bishop Paul Verryn at the site where the vehicle was found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/e8MrP8OE03_Oi1k89447fLrRGs0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/t1Vruvc4ugPCRsO0FNS57n9l0_g=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/uWDYu-r9lR1r0WD9B9V4xre_zSc=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KlcKAnVaxaB93hKOC_AMFo64WYw=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KE98qoeM7Bf3V7_t6KrhPrSTUps=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_0591-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Wives and family members of the Cradock Four with Bishop Paul Verryn at the site where the vehicle was found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure><figure style='float: none; margin: 5px; '><img loading=\"lazy\" src='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/9mZ7uYSCr0jmINGv9ay2lfH_SsM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg' alt='Members of the legal teams and Judge Thami Beshe leaving the beach where the Cradock Four's remains were found, 04 June 2025. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' title=' Members of the legal teams and Judge Thami Beshe leave the beach where the Cradock Four's remains were found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira)' srcset='https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/9mZ7uYSCr0jmINGv9ay2lfH_SsM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cuenjsd--P4YwVepdAjlhR1oywU=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/pQTF_G0doo9muGDAUCNE2sOxvZo=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iJiZCJlexj8PyuzXzrZr1xeAx6s=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hKXDEUhdfmrqiEozM59SKd6-6MU=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC_2729-copy.jpg 1600w' style='object-position: 50% 50%'><figcaption> Members of the legal teams and Judge Thami Beshe leave the beach where the Cradock Four's remains were found. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) </figcaption></figure>",
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